Fiction > Book editions > London, 1886 - Prince Otto

123 PRINCE OTTO
where Seraphina's portrait hung conspicuous,
dressed for the chase, red roses in her hair, as
Otto, in the first months of marriage, had
directed. He pointed to it without a word ;
she raised her eyebrows in silence ; and they
passed still forward into a matted corridor where
four doors opened. One led to Otto's bedroom ;
one was the private door to Seraphina's. And
here, for the first time, Otto left her hand, and
stepping forward, shot the bolt.
' It is long, madam,' said he, ' since it was
bolted on the other side.'
6 One was effectual,' returned the Princess.
' Is this all ? '
8 Shall I reconduct you ? ' he asked, bowing.
8 1 should prefer,' she asked, in ringing tones,
* the conduct of the Freiherr von Gondremark.'
Otto summoned the chamberlain. 'If the
Freiherr von Gondremark is in the palace,' he
said, * bid him attend the Princess here.' And
when the official had departed, ' Can I do more
to serve you, madam ? ' the Prince asked.
'Thank you, no. I have been much amused,'
she answered.
' I have now,' continued Otto, ' given you
your liberty complete. This has been for you a
miserable marriage.'
' Miserable ! ' said she.
' It has been made light to you ; it shall be