The uniforms of
Cologne or Treves were seldom seen, while the quiet but firm soldiers of
Mayence were everywhere ordering to their homes those already served,
and clearing the way for the empty-handed.
At last Roland reached the Palace of Cologne, through a square thronged
with people. Within he found his mother and the Countess, seated in a
room whose windows overlooked the square, watching the stirring scene
presented to them. Having saluted his mother, he greeted the girl with a
quiet pressure of the hand.
"What is the cause of all this commotion?" asked the Empress.
Roland tapped his breast.
"I am the cause, mother," and he related the history of the relief
committee, and if appreciation carries with it gratification, his was
the advantage of knowing that the two women agreed he was the most
wonderful of men.
"But indeed, mother," continued Roland, "I selfishly rob you of the
credit. The beginning of all this was really your gift to me of five
hundred thalers, that time I came to crave your assistance in procuring
me this document I still carry, and without your thalers and the
parchment, this never could have happened.
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