"Has the Count returned to Germany?" asked Hermengarde.
"Oh no! you will meet him at the banquet to which Her Majesty has commissioned me to invite you."
In a few moments she left her apartment, preceded by several ladies, who composed an escort of honor. At the head of the procession walked the master of ceremonies, holding the silver wand of his office. They passed through several sumptuously furnished apartments, and finally arrived in the reception-hall.
"The noble Lady of Castellamare!" cried the master of ceremonies, with a loud voice.
These words interrupted a serious and animated conversation between the Empress and the Duke of Austria; but Beatrice came forward cordially to welcome her guest, and at once presented her to the prince.
"I have heard a great deal of you, noble lady, and I am happy now to make your acquaintance: you realize the ideal; a lovely soul under a most perfect exterior.--You have given to all children a most beautiful example to be followed, and you have gained honor and renown. Allow me to express all my admiration."
"You are taking the true course to make our Hermengarde proud. Frankness is to be lauded, but must not be abused."
"I crave your Majesty's pardon!" said the Duke, to whom Beatrice was no stranger, and who knew that the girl's beauty annoyed her; "but I must say that you have added to your chaplet a pearl whose lustre will dazzle more than one noble gentleman."
"Oh, you are not frank now," said the Empress, with suppressed rage. "But come, the banquet awaits us; it is served in a woman's fashion, but I will not accept a refusal."
Just then the hangings of the door were lifted, and Erwin of Rechberg entered the room. All eyes were turned upon the youthful pair. The Count stood motionless, as though rooted to the ground, and with open eyes seemed to fear to advance lest the lovely vision might fade from his sight forever.
The Empress, holding the young girl's hand, approached.
"It is no dream, as you seem to fear, Erwin," said she.--"Well, Count, why do you remain dumb and unmoved? this surprise, I am persuaded, cannot be a disagreeable one to you."
"A thousand pardons, the----it is so unexpected."
And stepping forward, he kissed his lady's hand. They sat down to table. On the right of the Empress was placed Hermengarde, on her left the Duke of Austria, and next to the young Italian was Erwin of Rechberg. The court attendants were at the foot of the table, with Hedwige in the place of honor among them; and the worthy nurse had enough to do in answering all the questions which the curiosity of the other women prompted them to make. The food, consisting of fowls, game, fruit, honey and other sweetmeats, was served on silver dishes; but, except by the Austrian, who quaffed long draughts from a golden goblet, there was very little attention paid to the choice wines set before them.