With Rischenheim silent, Bauer
was the only man, save Rupert himself, who knew the truth, the
only man who threatened that great scheme which more and more
filled our thoughts and grew upon us with an increasing force of
attraction as every obstacle to it seemed to be cleared out of
the way. But I would not look at Bernenstein, fearing to
acknowledge even with my eyes how my mind jumped with his. He was
bolder, or less scrupulous--which you will.
"Yes, if we can shut Bauer's mouth." he went on.
"The queen's waiting for the carriage," I interrupted snappishly.
"Ah, yes, of course, the carriage," and he twisted me round till
I was forced to look him in the face. Then he smiled, and even
laughed a little.
"Only Bauer now!" said he.
"And Rupert," I remarked sourly.
"Oh, Rupert's dead bones by now," he chuckled, and with that he
went out of the hall door and announced the queen's approach to
her servants. It must be said for young Bernenstein that he was a
cheerful fellow-conspirator. His equanimity almost matched
Rudolf's own; I could not rival it myself.
I drove to the palace with the queen and my wife, the other two
following in a second carriage. I do not know what they said to
one another on the way, but Bernenstein was civil enough to his
companion when I rejoined them.
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