In the eyes of God, who is
accountable for our being, I am Gretchen's uncle, her father's brother."
"You?" I was astounded.
"And who knows of this?"
"The King, the Prince--and you."
I thrust a hand toward him. "You are a man."
"Wait. Swear to God that Her Highness shall never know."
"On my honor."
Then he accepted my clasp and looked straight into my eyes.
"And all this to you?"
"I love her."
"And she?"
"It is mutual. Do you suppose she would have put her life before mine
if not? She knew that the lieutenant would have killed me."
"Ach! It never occurred to me in that light. I understood it to be a
frolic of hers. Will you make her happy?"
"If an honest man's love can do it," said I. "Now, get on your hat and
coat. You must go to the capital with me. The King would send for you
in any case. The next train leaves at five, and to save Gretchen,
these proofs must be in the Chancellor's hands to-morrow morning."
"Yes, my presence will be necessary. Perhaps I have committed a crime;
who knows?" His head fell in meditation. "Herr, and this other
sister, has she been happy?"
"Happier than ever Gretchen.
Pages:
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289