Fiction > Book editions > London, 1885 - Prince Otto

A ROMAXCE 115
It is what my Princess pointed ont to me her-
self; it was by these reasons that she converted
me to this adventure.'
' I think, Herr von Gondremark,' said
Seraphina, somewhat tartly, ' you often attribute
your own sagacity to your Princess.'
For a second Gondremark staggered under
the shrewdness of the attack ; the next, he had
perfectly recovered. 'Do I .^ ' he said. ' It is
very possible. I have observed a similar ten-
dency in your Highness.'
It was so openly spoken, and appeared so
just, that Sera]3hina breathed again. Her vanity
had been alarmed, and the greatness of the
relief improved her spirits. ' Well,' she said,
' all this is little to the purpose. We are keeping
Frederic without, and I am still ignorant of
our line of battle. Come, co-admiral, let us
consult. . . . How am I to receive him now?
And what are we to do if he should appear at
the council ? '
' Now,' he answered. ' I shall leave him to
my Princess for just now ! I have seen her at
work. Send him off to his theatricals I But in
all gentleness,' he added. ' Would it, for instance,
would it displease my sovereign to affect a head-
ache ? '
' Never ! ' said she. ' The woman who can