Part 19 (1/2)
”I will come directly--I beg you--will your Highness kindly go first? I should like to rest a moment!” stammered the countess in great confusion.
”You are terribly unstrung--that is natural--so are we all. I will wait for you below and take you in my carriage, if you wish. We can weep our fill together.”
”Your Highness is--very kind,” replied the countess, scarcely knowing what she answered.
When the party had gone down stairs, she pa.s.sionately seized Prince Emil's arm: ”For Heaven's sake, help me to escape going with them. I will not, _cannot_ leave. I beseech you by all that is sacred, let me stay here.”
”So it is settled! The result is what I feared,” said the prince with a heavy sigh. ”I can only beg you for your own sake to consider the ladies. You have invited them to dine day after to-morrow--”
”I know it--apologize for me--say whatever you please--you will know--you can manage it--if you have ever loved me--help me! Drive with the ladies--entertain them, that they may not miss me!”
”And the magnificent ovation which the gentlemen have arranged at your home?”
”What do I care for it?”
”A fairy temple awaits you at the Palace Wildenau, and you will stay here? What a pity to lose the beautiful flowers, which must now wither in vain.”
”I cannot help it. For Heaven's sake, act quickly--some one is coming!”
She was trembling in every limb with fear--but it was no member of the party sent to summon her. A short man with clear cut features stood beside her, shrewd loyal eyes met her glance. ”I saw that you were still here, Countess, can I serve you in any way?”
”Thank Heaven, it is Ludwig Gross!” cried the excited woman joyously, taking his arm. ”Can you get me to your father's house without being seen?”
”Certainly, I can guide you across the stage, if you wis.h.!.+”
”Quick, then! Farewell, Prince--be generous and forgive me!”
She vanished.
The prince was too thoroughly a man of the world to betray his feelings even for an instant. The short distance down the staircase afforded him ample time to decide upon his course. The misfortune had happened, and could no longer be averted--but it concerned himself alone. Her name and position must be guarded.
”Have you come without the countess?” called the d.u.c.h.ess.
”I must apologize for her, Your Highness. The performance has so completely unstrung her nerves that she is unable to travel to-day. I have just placed her in her landlord's charge promising not only to make her apologies to the ladies, but also endeavor to supply her place.”
”Oh, poor Countess Wildenau!” said the d.u.c.h.ess, kindly. ”Shall we not go to her a.s.sistance?”
”Permit me to remind your Highness that we have not a moment to lose, if we wish to catch the train!”
”Is it possible! Then we must hurry.”
”Yes--and I think rest will be best for the countess at present,”
answered Prince Emil, helping the ladies into the carriage.
”Well, we shall see her at dinner on Tuesday? She will be able to travel to-morrow?”
”Oh, I hope so.”
”But, Prince Emil! What will become of our flowers?” asked the gentlemen.
”Oh, they will keep until to-morrow!”