Manchurian Books

A silence followed her
guardian's appeal, disturbed only by the agitated breathing of
Hildegunde.
The cold voice of the Elector of Mayence broke the stillness, like a
breath from a glazier:
"Do you consent, Madam?"
"Yes," gasped the girl, her shoulders quivering with emotion, but she
did not look up.
"I fear that the object of this convocation was like to be forgotten in
the gush of sentiment issuing from both sides of me. This is a business
meeting, and not a love-feast. Will you do me the courtesy, Madam, of
raising your head and answering my question?"
The girl dashed the tears from her eyes, and sat up straight, grasping
with nervous hands the arms of the throne, as if to steady herself
against the coming ordeal.
"I scarcely heard what you said. Do you consent to marry Prince Roland
of Germany?"
"I have consented," she replied firmly.
"Will you use your influence with him that he may carry out the behests
of the three Archbishops?"
"Yes, if the behests are for the good of the country.


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