"It is a terrible thing to do, but she has gone too far to withdraw now. She is to become the wife of Hermann Steinbock. She wishes to show the certificate to the duke."
"But the banns have not been made public."
"But why detain me?" I was growing restless. It was all folly, and no good would come of it.
"It is necessary that a gentleman should be present. The caretaker is not a gentleman. I have said that Steinbock is a rascal. As I review the events, I begin to look upon your arrival as timely. Steinbock is not a reliable quantity."
"He is to receive one thousand crowns for his part in the ceremony; then he is to leave the country."
"But the priest's signature, the notary's seal, the iron-clad formalities which attend all these things!" I stammered.
"You will recollect that her Highness is a princess of the blood. Seldom is she refused anything in Barscheit." She went to a small secretary and produced a certificate, duly sealed and signed. There lacked nothing but Steinbock's name.
"But the rascal will boast about it! He may blackmail all of you. He may convince the public that he has really married her Highness."
"I thank not. We have not moved in this blindly. Steinbock we know to have forged the name of the minister of finance. We hold this sword above his head. And if he should speak or boast of it, your word would hold greater weight than his. Do you understand now?"
"Yes, I understand. But I believe that I am genuinely sorry to have blundered into this castle to-night."
I laughed. "I am not afraid of twenty Steinbocks."
Her laughter echoed mine. "Come, Mr.--by the way, I believe I do not know your name."
"That is a very good English name, and a gentleman possessing it will never leave two women in a predicament like this. You will understand that we dare not trust any one at court. Relative to her Highness, the duke succeeds in bribing all."
"It is pardonable to say that I believe her Highness has been very foolish."
The girl made a gesture which conceded this fact. "It is too late to retreat, as I have told you. Steinbock is already on the way. We must trust him. But you?"
"After all, what does a consulate amount to?"
This seemed to be answer enough. She extended her hand in a royal fashion. I took it in one of mine, bent and kissed it respectfully. Apparently she had expected the old-fashioned handshake familiar to our common race, for I observed that she started as my lips came into contact with the back of her hand. As for me, when my lips touched the satin flesh I knew that it was all over.