He recognized the
queen's, my wife's, and Anton's. Then came the butler's, saying,
"I will inform the count of your Majesty's wishes."
The door of the room opened; the butler appeared, and immediately
behind him Anton von Strofzin and Bernenstein. Bernenstein had
the young fellow by the arm, and hurried him through the hall.
They passed the butler, who made way for them, and came to where
Rischenheim stood.
"We meet again," said Rischenheim with a bow.
The chancellor rubbed his hands in nervous perturbation. The
butler stepped up and delivered his message: the queen regretted
her inability to receive the count. Rischenheim nodded, and,
standing so that the door could not be shut, asked Bernenstein
whether he knew where the king was.
Now Bernenstein was most anxious to get the pair of them away and
the door shut, but he dared show no eagerness.
"Do you want another interview with the king already?" he asked
with a smile. "The last was so pleasant, then?"
Rischenheim took no notice of the taunt, but observed
sarcastically: "There's a strange difficulty in finding our good
king. The chancellor here doesn't know where he is, or at least
he won't answer my questions.
Pages:
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252