nd, when their will is expressed, summon me to audience with them."

Herr Durnberg bowed almost to the polished floor, and flinging open both
doors, retreated backwards, still bent double as he implored them to
enter. Locking the doors, for the Electors would reach the Wahlzimmer
through a private way, to be used by none but themselves, the bustling
Durnberg produced two chairs, which he set by the windows in the front,
and again running the risk of falling on his nose, bowed his
distinguished visitors to seats where they might entertain themselves by
watching the enormous crowd that filled the Romerberg from end to end,
for every man in Frankfort knew an Election was impending, and it was
after the banquet, when the wine began to flow in the fountain, that the
new Emperor exhibited himself to his people by stepping from the
Kaisersaal out upon the balcony in front of it.

"Do you feel any shyness about meeting this formidable conclave?
Remember you have at least two good friends among them."

The girl placed her hand in his, and looked affectionately upon him.

"When you are with me, Roland, I am afraid of nothing."

"I should not ask you to pass through this ordeal were it not for your
guardian. His astonishment at the announcement of our marriage will be
so honest and unacted that even the suspicious Mayence cannot accuse him
of connivance in what we have done. Of course, the strength of my
position is that I have but carried out the formal request of their
three Lordships; a request which has never been rescinded."

Before she could reply the hour of twelve rang forth. The deferential
Herr Durnberg entered from the Wahlzimmer, and softly approached them.

"Your Highness," he said, "my Lords, the Electors, request your presence
in the Wahlzimmer."

"How many are there, Romer-meister?"

"There are four, your Highness; the three Archbishops and the Count
Palatine."

"Ah," breathed Roland, relieved that Mayence had not called up his
reserve, and assured now that the seventh Elector had not arrived. With
a glance of encouragement at his wife, Roland passed into the presence.

Herr Durnberg, anxious about the outcome, showed an inclination to close
the door and remain inside, but a very definite gesture from Mayence
wafted the good man to outer regions.

Mayence opened the proceedings.

"Yesterday I received a communication from your Highness, requesting me
to convene this Court. I am as ignorant as my colle