"
For what seemed to the onlookers a tense period of suspense, the old man
seated and the young man standing gazed intently at one another. Mayence
knew at once that in some manner unknown to him the Prince had fathomed
his intentions; that his Highness alone knew why the Election had been
delayed, yet the Prince conveyed this knowledge directly to the person
most concerned, in the very presence of those whom Mayence desired to
keep ignorant, without giving them the slightest hint anent the actual
state of affairs.
The favorable opinion which the Archbishop had originally formed of
Roland in Ehrenfels during this conference became greatly augmented.
Even the most austere of men is more or less susceptible to flattery,
and yet in flattering him Roland had managed to convey his own sincerity
in this laudation.
"We will suppose the Grand Duke Karl elected," Mayence said at last.
"What then?"
"Why then, my Lord, the three differing bodies of troops at present
occupying Frankfort would be withdrawn, and the danger line crossed over
to the right side.
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