With which he entered the carriage with Rojanow. Stadinger remained standing in military position and saluted as was demanded by his idea of the respectful, for respect was the main thing, although he did not in the least think of giving in by so doing. His Highness, Prince Egon, had to do that; he could not come up with his Peter Stadinger.
Egon was evidently of the same opinion as he narrated the proceeding to his friend, and concluded with comic despair: "Now you can imagine what a reception will be mine from the most illustrious aunt. She has guessed that I wished to keep her away from Rodeck. My morals are rescued in her eyes, but at the expense of my veracity. Hartmut, do me the favor of showering your sweetest affability upon my revered aunt. If necessary, compose a poem for her as a lightning rod; otherwise the flash of her most high anger will annihilate me."
"Well, I should think you were weather-proof in this respect," quoth Hartmut. "You have had to have forgiveness for many similar escapades. The Duchess and the younger ladies will be at the chase on horseback, will they not?"
"Yes, they could not see much from a carriage. Do you know that Frau von Wallmoden sits her horse perfectly. I met her the day before yesterday as she returned from a ride with her brother-in-law, the Chief Forester."
"Ah, so? Well, one knows, then, where Prince Adelsberg will be to-day exclusively."
Egon, who had been reclining comfortably, straightened himself and looked at his friend inquiringly.
"Not so much sarcasm, if you please. Although you are not to be found so frequently in the presence of the afore-mentioned lady, and even pretend a certain coldness toward her, I know you too well not to see that we are only too much of the same opinion."
"And if it were so, would you consider it a break in our friendship?"
"Not in this case, where the object is unobtainable to both."
"Unobtainable!" That unpleasant smile again passed over his lips.
"Yes, Hartmut," said the Prince, seriously, "the beautiful, cold Aurora, as you have christened her, remains true to her nature. She stands far removed and unapproachable on the horizon, and the ice sea from which she rises is not to be penetrated. The lady has no heart; she is incapable of a passionate feeling, and this gives her this enviable security. Come, confess that here your power is wrecked. The icy breath has chilled you, and therefore you flee from it."