It told him much.
At the Palace we drew rein.
"Be at the Hotel Metzen at eight forty-five," said I. "Come by the
Court entrance--you will be expected."
Then they rode away, and I hastened to the King.
As good luck would have it, Frederick was in his cabinet and received
me instantly. He read the letters and looked at me inquiringly.
"It means a plain talk between them," I explained; "and I propose to
hear it. I am, sure it would interest Your Majesty--much happened
yesterday." And I told him of the Vierle Masque.
Frederick frowned a bit--thought longer--then smiled.
"I don't much fancy eaves-dropping; but, sometimes, the end justifies
the means," he said. "I'll join you."
"There will be other witnesses, Sire," I said--and named them.
"I don't like it," he said.
"I can stop them," I suggested.
He considered. "No," said he, "I understand why you want them. I'll
come--they will be discreet. And the Princess would wish it so. I'll
bring her, myself."
Then I rode to the Metzen. Bernheim had preceded me and, with the
manager of the Hotel, awaited me at a side door. The corridor was
dimly lighted but I drew my cape well over my face and, is a moment, we
were in a small reception room.
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