Yet presently
the wheels turned, and they began to drag us away at a slow walk.
Rudolf kept raising his hat, bowing now to right, now to left.
But once, as he turned, his eyes met ours. In spite of what was
behind and what was in front, we all three smiled.
"I wish they'd go a little quicker," said Rudolf in a whisper, as
he conquered his smile and turned again to acknowledge the loyal
greetings of his subjects.
But what did they know of any need for haste? They did not know
what stood on the turn of the next few hours, nor the momentous
question that pressed for instant decision. So far from hurrying,
they lengthened our ride by many pauses; they kept us before the
cathedral, while some ran and got the joy bells set ringing; we
were stopped to receive improvised bouquets from the hands of
pretty girls and impetuous hand-shakings from enthusiastic
loyalists. Through it all Rudolf kept his composure, and seemed
to play his part with native kingliness. I heard Bernenstein
whisper, "By God, we must stick to it!"
At last we came in sight of the palace. Here also there was a
great stir. Many officers and soldiers were about. I saw the
chancellor's carriage standing near the portico, and a dozen
other handsome equipages were waiting till they could approach.
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