Part 31 (1/2)
Egon was evidently of the same opinion as he narrated the proceeding to his friend, and concluded with comic despair: ”Now you can imagine what a reception will be mine from the most ill.u.s.trious aunt. She has guessed that I wished to keep her away from Rodeck. My morals are rescued in her eyes, but at the expense of my veracity. Hartmut, do me the favor of showering your sweetest affability upon my revered aunt.
If necessary, compose a poem for her as a lightning rod; otherwise the flash of her most high anger will annihilate me.”
”Well, I should think you were weather-proof in this respect,” quoth Hartmut. ”You have had to have forgiveness for many similar escapades.
The d.u.c.h.ess and the younger ladies will be at the chase on horseback, will they not?”
”Yes, they could not see much from a carriage. Do you know that Frau von Wallmoden sits her horse perfectly. I met her the day before yesterday as she returned from a ride with her brother-in-law, the Chief Forester.”
”Ah, so? Well, one knows, then, where Prince Adelsberg will be to-day exclusively.”
Egon, who had been reclining comfortably, straightened himself and looked at his friend inquiringly.
”Not so much sarcasm, if you please. Although you are not to be found so frequently in the presence of the afore-mentioned lady, and even pretend a certain coldness toward her, I know you too well not to see that we are only too much of the same opinion.”
”And if it were so, would you consider it a break in our friends.h.i.+p?”
”Not in this case, where the object is un.o.btainable to both.”
”Un.o.btainable!” That unpleasant smile again pa.s.sed over his lips.
”Yes, Hartmut,” said the Prince, seriously, ”the beautiful, cold Aurora, as you have christened her, remains true to her nature. She stands far removed and unapproachable on the horizon, and the ice sea from which she rises is not to be penetrated. The lady has no heart; she is incapable of a pa.s.sionate feeling, and this gives her this enviable security. Come, confess that here your power is wrecked. The icy breath has chilled you, and therefore you flee from it.”
Hartmut was silent. He thought of those moments in the tower room, when he asked for the brilliant flower. It had been refused him, but it had not been an icy breath which came from the Baroness when she had trembled under the gaze of the beseecher.
He had since seen her almost daily, but had rarely approached her, although he knew that he held her under his spell now as before.
”Nevertheless, I cannot get free from this foolish infatuation,”
continued Egon, with a half dreamy expression. ”It seems to me that life and warmth could grow up in that nature, and change the snow region into a blooming world. If Adelaide von Wallmoden were still free, I believe I should make the attempt.”
Rojanow, who had been gazing into the misty forest, lost in thought, turned quickly and sharply:
”What attempt? Does that perhaps mean that you would offer her your hand?”
”You seem really horror-stricken at the idea.” The Prince laughed aloud. ”I meant that, indeed. I have no prejudice against the manufacturing world, like my most gracious aunt, whom such a possibility would indeed throw into convulsions. Strange to say, you seem to think so, too. Well, both of you may rest easy. His Excellency, the husband, has seized the prize; but he truly does not make a life of roses for her with his tiresome diplomatic face. Ah! but the man has had enviable good luck.”
”Call no man happy before his death,” muttered Hartmut under his breath.
”A very wise remark, and one not quite new to me. But you sometimes have something in your eyes which frightens me. Do not be offended, Hartmut; but you look like a demon at this moment.”
Rojanow made no answer.
The road now left the forest, and yonder Furstenstein rose into view, where the ducal colors floated in the morning breeze. Half an hour later the carriage rolled into the castle court, where an animated scene reigned.
The entire force of servants was at hand; saddle horses and carriages were ready, and the greater number of invited guests had already arrived.
The start took place at the appointed hour, and the bright light of the sun, breaking through the mist, shone resplendent on the imposing cavalcade as it moved down the Schlossberg.
The Duke and d.u.c.h.ess led the party; then followed the numerous suite and the whole a.s.sembly of guests, and the grooms in full livery who were permitted to go.