Had he done right in giving to the world his
zealously guarded secret?
But there lay the royal manifesto on the table; there was no doubting
that. The venture must be made now or never. If only d'Avoncourt were
free! How well he would know what to do in this emergency!
He seated himself at the table to write to his friends abroad; but he
could accomplish nothing; his hand trembled so that he could hardly
guide the pen. And why should he tremble? Was he afraid to hear
Katharina's answer? It is by no means a wise move for a man to make on
the same day a declaration of war and one of love.
His meditations were interrupted by Marie, who came running into his
study, laughing and clapping her hands. She snatched the pen from his
fingers, and flung it on the floor.
"She is coming! She is coming!" she cried in jubilant tones.
"Who is coming?" asked Ludwig, surveying the young girl in surprise.
"Who? Why, the lady who is to be my mother--the beautiful lady from the
manor."
"What nonsense, Marie! How can you give voice to such impossible
nonsense?"
"But the vice-palatine would not be returning to the castle in _two_
carriages!" persisted the maid.
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