cuse himself to the
Prince. Are you then so far a prisoner? Are you then so bound to the
very minute?

He was almost ready to call out to the coachman to turn back; he would
have nothing to do with the whole affair.

Again he was angry with himself at being so powerfully excited without
cause. He let down the carriage window, took off his hat, and was
delighted to feel the refreshment of the cool breeze.

Bertram proudly drew up the carriage before the grand portal. Both the
sentinels stood still; they were waiting to see whether they should
shoulder or present arms. The carriage door was opened, the sentinels
remained motionless, for only a man in black clothes, with a single
order, stepped out.

Joseph accompanied Sonnenkamp to the large high-studded porch, which
was white and richly ornamented with stucco work. At the foot of the
step were two handsomely chiselled marble wolves; they looked at
Sonnenkamp in almost a friendly way; and really, everything looked as
splendid as could be imagined. Sonnenkamp made a sign to Joseph that he
might give something, suitable to the occasion to the lackeys in
attendance here; he had provided him with an uncounted handful of gold
for the purpose; he could trust Joseph.

The porter in grand livery, with broad hat and gold-tipped staff, asked
whom he should announce.

Sonnenkamp and Joseph looked at each other in embarrassment. Joseph was
discreet enough to leave the answer to his master, and Sonnenkamp did
not know whether he ought to say Baron von Lichtenburg or Herr
Sonnenkamp.

Pooh, what did it signify giving the old name to this lackey? This name
appeared to him so repugnant, thrown off for good like a worn-out shoe;
it was so hard to understand how he had borne it so long, without being
ashamed of it before the whole world. Finally Sonnenkamp answered with
evident condescension:--

"I have been ordered to wait upon His Highness."

He felt badly to be obliged to use the word "ordered" before
Joseph--he, Sonnenkamp, had been "ordered"--but he wished to show the
footman at any rate that he was acquainted with court phraseology.

The footman pressed a telegraphic bell; a valet dressed in black
appeared at the head of the staircase, and said that the Herr Baron had
been expected for two minutes, and must make all the haste possible. It
seemed almost as if an avenging angel from heaven were announcing here
below some shortcoming or transgression.

With trembling knee