“Yes; a young man to whom I owe small thanks, and with whom I have an account to settle.  He is son of the custodian, and thinks he has us both under his thumb, Heinrich drinks as if he were a fish or a Baron, but I shall cure him of that habit before it becomes firmly established.”

“Am I correct in assuming that you found your liberty only after your interview with the three Electors?”

“Oh, bless you, no!  I was free months before that time.  Indeed, it is only since then that my substitute is practically useless.  Heinrich might have passed for me at a pinch, but only because neither you nor your colleagues had seen me.  I have kept him under lock and key ever since, because I dare not allow him abroad until the Election has taken place.”

“I see.  A very wise precaution.  Well, your Highness, I shall say nothing of what you tell me; furthermore, I still promise you my vote; that is, if you will obey my orders until you are elected Emperor.  I foresee we are not going to have the easy time with you that was anticipated, but this concerns Mayence and Treves, rather than myself, for I have no ambition to rule by proxy.  And now, my lady of Sayn, when we journeyed southward that day from Gutenfels Castle I gave you some information regarding the mind of Mayence.  You remember, perhaps, what I said about his quandary.  I rather suspect that he admires you, notwithstanding your defiance of him; but there is nothing remarkable in that, for we all appreciate you, old and young.  I, too, carry a document of safe-conduct, like Prince Roland here, although I see that his Highness has placed his safety in your hands.”

The old man smiled, and Hildegunde found herself still carrying the parchment Roland had given her.  For a moment she was confused, then smiled also, and offered it back; but the Prince shook his head.  The Archbishop went on: 

“Mayence sent down to me your written release, signed by himself and Treves.  He asked me to attach a signature, and liberate you on my way to Frankfort, which I intended to do had this impetuous young man not forestalled me.  By the way, Highness, how did you happen to meet Countess von Sayn in Pfalz?”

“We will tell you about that later, Guardian,” said Hildegunde, before Roland could speak.  “What instructions did his Lordship of Mayence give concerning me?”

“He asked me to bring you to my palace in Frankfort, and subtly expressed the hope you had changed your mind.”

“You may assure him I have,” said the Countess, again speaking rapidly; “but let us leave all details of that for the moment.  I am then to go with you to the capital?”

“Yes; to-morrow morning.”

“To remain until the coronation?”

“Certainly; if such is your wish.  But do you not see something very significant in my brother Mayence’s change of plan, for you know he did not intend to release you until after that event?”