Count Palatine,
who has just arrived from Gutenfels. As the Countess and myself enjoyed
his hospitality not long ago in that stronghold, I have invited him to
be my guest until the coronation ceremonies are completed."

"My Lord, I regret that your hospitality halts when it reaches your
future Emperor. Why may I not be introduced to the Count Palatine?"

"Such introduction must not take place except in the presence of the
other Electors. I am very anxious, as you may perceive, that nothing
shall be done to jeopardize your own prospects. We have arrived, your
Highness, at a critical moment. History relates that more than one
candidate has come to the very steps of the throne, only to be rejected
at the last moment. I am too sincere a friend to risk such an outcome in
your own case."

"Then you think it injudicious of me to see the Countess until after the
Election?"

"I not only think it injudicious, your Highness, but I intend to prevent
a meeting."

Again the young man laughed.

"'Tis blessed then that I came for no such purpose; otherwise I might be
deeply disappointed."

"For what purpose did you come, Highness?"

"The Imperial Palace, my Lord, belongs no more to my mother. If she or I
continue there to reside, we seem to be taking for granted that I shall
be elected Emperor; an assumption unfair to the seven Electors, whose
choice should be untrammeled by even a hint of influence. I beg of you,
therefore, my Lord, to extend your hospitality to my mother. I have
spoken to her on this subject, and she will gladly be your guest, happy,
I am sure, to forsake that gloomy abode."

"I am honored, your Highness, by the opportunity you give me. I shall
wait upon the Empress to-morrow at whatever hour it is convenient for
her Majesty to receive me."

"You are most kind. I suggested that she should name an hour, and midday
was chosen."

The Archbishop bowed profoundly. The young man rose, and held out his
hand, which the Archbishop took with cordiality. The Prince looked very
straight-forwardly at his host, and the latter thought he detected a
twinkle in his eye, as he said with decision:

"To-morrow I shall formally notify my Lord of Mayence that the Empress
has chosen your Palace as her place of residence until after the
coronation, and I shall request his Lordship to crave your permission
that I may call here every day to see my mother."

Again Cologne bowed, and made no further protest, although Roland
se