"
Mayence answered indifferently:
"I do not agree with you, but we are here three Electors of equal power,
and two can always outvote one."
The Elector of Cologne smiled slightly; he had seen this comedy enacted
before, and never objected to it. The carrying of some unimportant point
in opposition to their chief always gave Treves a certain sense of
independence.
"My Lord of Cologne," said the latter, bending forward and addressing
the man at the other end of the table "do you not agree with me?"
"Certainly," replied Cologne, with some curtness.
"In that case," continued Treves, "I take it upon myself to announce to
you, Madam, that the young man chosen for our future ruler is Prince
Roland, only son of the dying Emperor."
The hands of the Countess nervously clutched the soft velvet on the arms
of her chair.
"I thank you," she said, addressing Treves, and speaking as calmly as
though she were Mayence himself. "May I ask you if this marriage was
proposed to the young man?"
Treves looked up nervously at the stern face of Mayence, who nodded to
him, as much as to say:
"You are doing well; go on.
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