I, too, carry a document of safe-conduct,
like Prince Roland here, although I see that his Highness has placed his
safety in your hands."
The old man smiled, and Hildegunde found herself still carrying the
parchment Roland had given her. For a moment she was confused, then
smiled also, and offered it back; but the Prince shook his head. The
Archbishop went on:
"Mayence sent down to me your written release, signed by himself and
Treves. He asked me to attach a signature, and liberate you on my way to
Frankfort, which I intended to do had this impetuous young man not
forestalled me. By the way, Highness, how did you happen to meet
Countess von Sayn in Pfalz?"
"We will tell you about that later, Guardian," said Hildegunde, before
Roland could speak. "What instructions did his Lordship of Mayence give
concerning me?"
"He asked me to bring you to my palace in Frankfort, and subtly
expressed the hope you had changed your mind."
"You may assure him I have," said the Countess, again speaking rapidly;
"but let us leave all details of that for the moment.
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