Page:Stevenson - Prince Otto. A Romance.djvu/145

 by the salary; and as he was never known to attend a meeting, it had occurred to nobody to cancel his appointment. His present appearance was the more ominous, coming when it did. Gondremark scowled upon him; and the non-combatant on his right, intercepting this black look, edged away from one who was so clearly out of favour.

‘The hour presses, your Highness,’ said the Baron; ‘may we proceed to business?’

‘At once,’ replied Seraphina.

‘Your Highness will pardon me,’ said Gotthold; ‘but you are still, perhaps, unacquainted with the fact that Prince Otto has returned.’

‘The Prince will not attend the council,’ replied Seraphina, with a momentary blush. ‘The despatches, Herr Cancellarius? There is one for Gerolstein?’

A secretary brought a paper.

‘Here, madam,’ said Greisengesang. ‘Shall I read it?’

‘We are all familiar with its terms,’ replied Gondremark. ‘Your Highness approves?’

‘Unhesitatingly,’ said Seraphina.

‘It may then be held as read,’ concluded the Baron. ‘Will your Highness sign?’

The Princess did so; Gondremark, Eisenthal, and one of the non-combatants followed suit; and the paper was then passed across the table