Now,
I'll warrant you cannot guess why I came here to-night."
"Oh, I know the reason very well."
"Do you? That astonishes me. What is the reason?"
"You came to see the Countess von Sayn."
"Ah, is the lady within? Why, of course, she must be. I remember now,
she was to accompany you to Frankfort, and it naturally follows she is
your guest."
"She is my guest, your Highness, and one reason why you cannot see her
is because at this moment the lady converses with the Count Palatine,
who has just arrived from Gutenfels. As the Countess and myself enjoyed
his hospitality not long ago in that stronghold, I have invited him to
be my guest until the coronation ceremonies are completed."
"My Lord, I regret that your hospitality halts when it reaches your
future Emperor. Why may I not be introduced to the Count Palatine?"
"Such introduction must not take place except in the presence of the
other Electors. I am very anxious, as you may perceive, that nothing
shall be done to jeopardize your own prospects.
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