a woman, or two women; both of them equally
objectionable to the Archbishop of Mayence. One of these two women was
to marry the new Emperor, but rather than have this happen, Mayence
determined that another than Prince Roland should be elected, the reason
being that Mayence feared one Empress would be entirely under the
influence of Cologne, if chosen, and the other under the influence of
Treves. So his subtle Lordship is deluding both of these Electors.
Cologne has been asked to bring to Frankfort the woman he controls,
therefore he harbors the illusion that Mayence is reconciled to her.
Treves also has been requested to bring the lady who is his relative;
thus she, too, is in Frankfort, and Treves blindly believes Mayence is
favorable to her cause.

"As a matter of fact Mayence will have neither, but has resolved to
spring upon the Electoral Court at the last moment the name of the Grand
Duke Karl of Hesse, a middle-aged man already married, and entirely
under the dominance of his Lordship of Mayence."

"Pardon me, Greusel, I must interrupt, in spite of my disclaimer. What
you say sounds very ingenious, but it cannot be carried out. Treves,
Cologne, and the Count Palatine are already pledged to vote for Prince
Roland, so is Mayence himself, and to change front at the last moment
would be to forswear himself, and act as traitor to his colleagues. Now,
he cannot afford to lose even one vote, and I believe that the
Archbishop of Cologne will vote for Prince Roland through thick and
thin. I think the same of the Count Palatine. Treves, of course, is
always doubtful and wavering, but you see that the negative vote of the
Archbishop of Cologne would render Mayence powerless and an Election
impossible."

"Doubtless what you say is true, and now you have put your finger on the
danger spot. Why has the Election been delayed beyond all precedent?"

"That I do not know," replied Roland.

"Then I will tell you. The Archbishop of Mayence has sent peremptory
orders to the other three Electors, who are reported to be careless so
far as Imperial affairs are concerned, and quite indifferent regarding
the personality of the future Emperor. No one of these three Electors,
however, dares offend so powerful a man as Mayence. If the Archbishop
can overawe his colleagues nominally equal to him in position, each
commanding an army, how think you can three small nobles, with no
soldiers at their beck, withstand his requests, suavely giv