That was the first act in a play which has been progressing ever since.
The plot has thickened lately--as witness the duel at the Masque, last
night. And now, unless I greatly err, the last act is set for this
evening. If you care to see it I shall be glad for your
company."--Then I laughed. "A long speech," said I; "but it sounded
well."
"And promises best of all," said Courtney.
Then I ordered the horses; and, while we waited, I gave the letters to
Courtney.
"Read them," I said. "The originals passed through Bernheim's hands
this afternoon--'while en route,' as he puts it."
He read them carefully.
"You contemplate giving them an audience?" he asked.
"Exactly that," said I.
"Is it feasible?"
"Bernheim says it is."
He looked at me thoughtfully, a moment. "It would be a great stroke to
have the King there," he said.
"I'll make a try for him," I answered; "but the time is very short."
It was ten miles to Dornlitz, and we did it in an hour. On the way, I
explained the whole situation to the Princess and read her the letters.
She was amazed--and her indignation was intense. Nor did she hesitate
to express it freely before Bernheim. And I saw his stern face break
into a glad smile.
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