My heart beat swiftly and I had some difficulty in finding
the bell.
The liveried footman took my card.
"Present it to her Highness the Princess Hildegarde," I said, as I
passed into the hall.
"Her Serene Highness has left town, I believe, Your Excellency. Her
Serene Highness the Princess Elizabeth is dining at the palace."
"Gone?" said I.
"Yes, Your Excellency." He examined my card closely. "Ah, allow me to
deliver this note to you which Her Serene Highness directed me to do
should you call."
My hands shook as I accepted the missive, and the lights began to
waver. I passed out into the cold air. Gone? And why? I walked back
to the rooms in feverish haste. Pembroke was still at his reading.
"Hello! What brings you back so soon?"
"She was not at home," I answered. I threw my coat and hat on the
sofa. I balanced the envelope in my hand. For some moments I
hesitated to open it. Something was wrong; if all had been well
Gretchen would not have left the city. I glanced at Pembroke. He went
on with his reading, unconcerned. Well, the sooner it was over, the
better.
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