We have arrived, your
Highness, at a critical moment. History relates that more than one
candidate has come to the very steps of the throne, only to be rejected
at the last moment. I am too sincere a friend to risk such an outcome in
your own case."
"Then you think it injudicious of me to see the Countess until after the
Election?"
"I not only think it injudicious, your Highness, but I intend to prevent
a meeting."
Again the young man laughed.
"'Tis blessed then that I came for no such purpose; otherwise I might be
deeply disappointed."
"For what purpose did you come, Highness?"
"The Imperial Palace, my Lord, belongs no more to my mother. If she or I
continue there to reside, we seem to be taking for granted that I shall
be elected Emperor; an assumption unfair to the seven Electors, whose
choice should be untrammeled by even a hint of influence. I beg of you,
therefore, my Lord, to extend your hospitality to my mother. I have
spoken to her on this subject, and she will gladly be your guest, happy,
I am sure, to forsake that gloomy abode.
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