“About two weeks.  I haven’t much time at my disposal, and am for that matter only nominally Willibald’s guardian, for my diplomatic position keeps me out of the country most of the time.  The guardianship really rests in the hands of my sister, who rules over everything.”

“Well, Regine is equal to the position.  She governs the great estate and the numerous servants as though she were a man.”

“And gives her orders like a cavalry officer from morning to night,” put in her brother.  “Recognizing all her excellent qualities, I, nevertheless, feel a slight creepy sensation whenever I am constrained to visit Burgsdorf, and I always leave the place with shattered nerves.  They live in a most primitive fashion over yonder.  Willibald is a perfect young bear, and of course at the same time the apple of his mother’s eye, and she, by the way, is doing her best to bring him up as a bluff country squire.  It’s useless to enter any protest, and, for the matter of that, it seems just what the youngster’s good for.”

Their conversation was interrupted at this moment by a servant, who entered and handed his master a card.  Falkenried glanced at it.  “Counsellor Egern?  I am glad of that.  Tell the gentleman to come in.”

“You have a business engagement I see,” said Wallmoden rising.  “Then I’ll not disturb you.”

“On the contrary I beg you to remain.  I have had an intimation of this visit and its purpose, and know what will be the result of our conversation.  The question is—­” He did not finish, for the door opened and the lawyer entered.  He seemed surprised not to find the officer alone, as he had fully expected, but Falkenried took no notice of his ill-concealed astonishment.

“Herr Counsellor Egern—­Herr von Wallmoden, secretary of legation,” said the host, presenting them.  The man of law bowed with cool politeness as he took the seat offered him.

“I have the honor of being known to you, I believe, Herr Major,” he began.  “As your wife’s attorney at the time the suit for divorce was in progress, I had the opportunity of making your acquaintance.”  He paused as if expecting an answer; but Major Falkenried gave no sign beyond an affirmative nod.

Wallmoden was all attention.  He could understand now his friend’s irritation on his arrival.

“I come to you to-day in the name of my former client,” continued the counsellor.  “She has authorized me—­have I your permission to speak freely?”

He glanced at the diplomat, but Falkenried answered shortly:  “Herr von Wallmoden is my friend, and knows all about this affair.  So you may speak freely.”

“Very well.  The lady has, after an absence of many years, returned to Germany, and naturally enough wishes to see her son.  She has already written you about the matter but has received no answer.”

“I should think that was answer enough.  I do not wish any such meeting, and I will not permit it.”