Said the ambassador, rising: "After what has been said, his
Imperial Majesty will, I can speak authoritatively, further
discredit Walmoden; for I have this day received information
from a reliable source which precludes any rehabilitation of
that prince. My deepest sympathies are with her Highness; his
Majesty highly honored her unfortunate father. Permit me to bid
you good day, for you know that the matter under my hand needs
my immediate attention."
When he had gone the prelate said: "My friend, our services to
the kingdom are nearly over."
"We are lost!" replied the chancellor. "The king is happy,
indeed."
"I find," said the prelate, "that we have been lost for ten
years. Had this Englishman proved true, it would not have
mattered; had Prince Frederick arrived in time, still it would
not have mattered. But above all, I was determined that Madame
the duchess should not triumph. The end was written ten years
ago. How invincible is fate! How incontestible its decrees!"
In the lower town the students were preparing a riot, which was
to take place that night. Old Stuler's was thronged. Stuler
himself looked on indifferently, even listlessly.
Pages:
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466