set forth unattended for the council.

CHAPTER VII

THE PRINCE DISSOLVES THE COUNCIL

It was as Gotthold wrote. The liberation of Sir John, Greisengesang's
uneasy narrative, last of all, the scene between Seraphina and the
Prince, had decided the conspirators to take a step of bold timidity.
There had been a period of bustle, liveried messengers speeding here and
there with notes; and at half-past ten in the morning, about an hour
before its usual hour, the council of Gruenewald sat around the board.

It was not a large body. At the instance of Gondremark, it had undergone
a strict purgation, and was now composed exclusively of tools. Three
secretaries sat at a side-table. Seraphina took the head; on her right
was the Baron, on her left Greisengesang; below these Grafinski the
treasurer, Count Eisenthal, a couple of non-combatants, and, to the
surprise of all, Gotthold. He had been named a privy councillor by Otto,
merely that he might profit 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 to the librarian. He proceeded leisurely to read.

"We have no time to spare, Herr Doctor," cried the Baron brutally. "If
you do not choose to sign on the authority of your sovereign, pass it
on. Or you may leave the table," he added, his temper ripping out.

"I decline your invitation, Herr von Gondremark; and my soverei