I don't understand you, Adelheid; it's a most singular
caprice which you have taken into your head, this desire to accompany
me."
"Well, call it a caprice. But let me go with you, Herbert--please let me
go."
She laid her hand beseechingly on his arm, and her eyes had an intense
and anxious expression, as she looked at her husband. There was a
superior, almost sneering smile on his lips, as he answered her:
"Now I understand it. The scene with the princess was so unpleasant to
you that you dread other skirmishes of a like nature. You must steel
yourself against such sensitiveness, my child; you should see that for
this very reason, it is imperative for you to remain. At court every
word, every glance signifies, and your sudden departure might give rise
to any kind of a report. You must hold your ground from the very start
at court, or you will find your difficulties increase rather than
diminish."
The wife's hand dropped slowly from her husband's arm, and her eyes sank
to the ground, as he refused the first request she had preferred since
their married life of only a few short months.
"Stand my ground?" she repeated, in a low voice. "That I shall ever do,
but I hoped you would be at my side."
"That is, for the moment, not possible, as you see. As for the rest, you
have shown to-day that you know how to defend yourself.
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