ng
of what you tell me; furthermore, I still promise you my vote; that is,
if you will obey my orders until you are elected Emperor. I foresee we
are not going to have the easy time with you that was anticipated, but
this concerns Mayence and Treves, rather than myself, for I have no
ambition to rule by proxy. And now, my lady of Sayn, when we journeyed
southward that day from Gutenfels Castle I gave you some information
regarding the mind of Mayence. You remember, perhaps, what I said about
his quandary. I rather suspect that he admires you, notwithstanding your
defiance of him; but there is nothing remarkable in that, for we all
appreciate you, old and young. I, too, carry a document of safe-conduct,
like Prince Roland here, although I see that his Highness has placed his
safety in your hands."

The old man smiled, and Hildegunde found herself still carrying the
parchment Roland had given her. For a moment she was confused, then
smiled also, and offered it back; but the Prince shook his head. The
Archbishop went on:

"Mayence sent down to me your written release, signed by himself and
Treves. He asked me to attach a signature, and liberate you on my way to
Frankfort, which I intended to do had this impetuous young man not
forestalled me. By the way, Highness, how did you happen to meet
Countess von Sayn in Pfalz?"

"We will tell you about that later, Guardian," said Hildegunde, before
Roland could speak. "What instructions did his Lordship of Mayence give
concerning me?"

"He asked me to bring you to my palace in Frankfort, and subtly
expressed the hope you had changed your mind."

"You may assure him I have," said the Countess, again speaking rapidly;
"but let us leave all details of that for the moment. I am then to go
with you to the capital?"

"Yes; to-morrow morning."

"To remain until the coronation?"

"Certainly; if such is your wish. But do you not see something very
significant in my brother Mayence's change of plan, for you know he did
not intend to release you until after that event?"

"Yes, yes," replied the Countess breathlessly. "I see it quite clearly,
but do not wish to discuss the matter at the present moment."

"Very well. I intended to enter Frankfort from the west, but meeting you
so unexpectedly, I have deflected my troops up the Lahn to Limburg, at
which town we will join them to-morrow night, thus following Father
Ambrose's route to the capital."

"Ah, that will be very interestin