Part 50 (2/2)
CHAPTER III.
”Don't let me wait any longer for your answer,” said Bruno to his sister; ”are you ready?”
”I beg your pardon. What was it? I was so preoccupied that I didn't hear you.”
Bruno looked at his sister with an air of surprise. Irma had indeed not heard him. She had been puzzling her brain in regard to the king's behavior. He had plainly intimated that he would allow no one to influence his course in state affairs. It now occurred to Irma that the tone of the letter which she had written while at the convent, had been quite improper, and her heart was filled with thanks to the great and n.o.ble man, who, having it in his power to forgive her, had forgiven her so gracefully. She felt doubly grateful to him for refusing to be swayed by her ardent entreaties. She was, herself, in doubt as to the best course, and it now seemed to her, as at first, that it was the duty of the state to prevent the consummation of an irrevocable vow.
”I beg your pardon,” she again said to her brother. ”Do you wish anything of me?”
”You must go with me to-morrow,” said Bruno; ”we're going on a journey.
I've already obtained leave of absence for myself, and the queen will grant you leave.”
”Go on a journey? Where?”
”To witness my betrothal.”
”Surely not with--?”
”Certainly; with the king's sister; or, if you'd rather have it so, his half, or quarter sister. Baroness Arabella von Steigeneck will be delighted to make your acquaintance.”
Irma looked down. It was the oldest daughter of the dancer who had been enn.o.bled by the late king. Irma spoke of the impression that this marriage would make upon her father; but Bruno jestingly answered, that he and his sister had been separated from their father, who indulged the strange whim of desiring to be a common citizen. Perceiving that his remarks displeased Irma, he changed his manner and explained to her how cruel and narrow-minded it would be to make Baroness Arabella, who had royal blood in her veins, suffer on account of a few irregularities for which she was not to blame. And when he represented to Irma, that, independent of his wishes, it was her duty to meet Arabella in a spirit of kindness and without prejudice, he touched the right chord. He added:
”You are so affectionate to the simple minded peasant woman, the crown prince's nurse. It is very cheap to practice humanity toward one of the lower cla.s.ses. You will find its exercise pleasanter and more effective in this instance.”
”I am glad to find that you think so,” replied Irma, regarding her brother with a more cheerful glance.
Bruno was delighted. He had used the right bait, and, for a few moments, found real pleasure in conversing on such subjects as elevation of mind and n.o.bility of soul. Irma consented to accompany him. When she applied to the queen for leave of absence, and the latter, in the most delicate manner, intimated surprise at Bruno's choice, Irma proved herself so zealous an advocate of humanity that the queen could not avoid saying to her:
”You are, and ever will be, a n.o.ble heart.”
Irma imprinted a fervent kiss on the queen's hand. They started off on their journey, taking with them Bruno's two private servants, and jockey Fritz, Baum's son. Father Baum, who was both indispensable and ubiquitous, also accompanied them.
Bruno was in high spirits. Like all other epicures, he was not averse to occasional tender scenes. He played the piano excellently and, at times, would indulge in a sentimental adagio. Irma now seemed sentimental in his eyes. But he soon tired of the melting mood and in his flippant, jesting manner, exclaimed:
”I am better than the world of cavaliers that surround us. You smile--and wonder what sort of cavaliers they must be among whom I am the best.--Yes, dear sister Krimhilde, it is so nevertheless. I honestly confess that I only marry this lady in order to be enabled to lead as jolly a life as possible, and am I not better than those who act the hypocrite in such a case?”
”Yes, if you think that makes you better. But I think you're simply ashamed of being in love, and are afraid of appearing sentimental.”
”Thanks! You're a profound judge of human nature.”
Bruno, at heart, desired his sister to imagine that he was in love; for that would render the demeanor of both of them more natural and more befitting the occasion. He blushed and smiled with a bashful air.
Baroness Steigeneck lived in a little town and occupied a castle which had once been a retreat of a sister of the late king.
They reached the castle. A bright peac.o.c.k stood on the high wall, and filled the air with its shrill cry.
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