Frau von Eschenhagen triumphed in her heart as she went to announce their departure to her brother-in-law.  She had already decided upon the reason which she would give him for their abrupt departure.  Of course a great many things could happen on a large estate like Burgsdorf, which would demand the master’s presence at a moment’s notice.  So the head forester knew no more than his daughter, although he, in his blindness, had been the cause of it all.

As for the rest, Frau Regine did not doubt her powers as soon as she should get her son away from the influence of this witch.  He had shown himself amenable to reason at the last moment.  She would say nothing more to him now, save to point out what his betrothal to Toni demanded from him as a man of honor, and what a fatal error it had been to allow another to influence him even for an hour.

“Wait, my son,” she said grimly, to herself, after conning over the whole thing for the twentieth time, “wait.  I will teach you to harbor such sentiments, and revolt against your mother.  Only wait until I get you to Burgsdorf, then God have mercy on you, if you evince any signs of obstinacy!”

CHAPTER VIII.

There was life and animation and excitement upon that momentous day when the duke and duchess, with their numerous retinue, were expected at Fuerstenstein; even the old forest, which had been witness to so many magnificent hunts in its time, put on its warmest colors, and showed in the clear sunlight its deepest reds and most vivid greens.

The reigning duke was, above all things, an ardent and keen sportsman, and he rarely missed a few days of sport at this season.  Now when he was coming for several weeks, and was bringing with him such a large suite, it was found that Fuerstenstein, notwithstanding its size, could not accommodate them all.  Suitable quarters had to be found in Waldhofen, and that little town was in a state of pleasurable excitement in consequence.

Prince Adelsberg, besides being the owner of the adjoining estate and castle, was also connected in some way with nearly all the families forming the ducal suite, and could not of course neglect them.  Some of the men had been invited to take up their quarters at his little hunting lodge, so that the life and bustle which centered at Fuerstenstein, extended to the woodland loneliness of Rodeck.

To-night the castle was brilliantly illuminated, and the colored lights which gleamed from its many windows, threw a rosy glow over wall and tower.  It was the first large gathering since the arrival of the Court, and every one in the whole neighborhood who laid any claims whatever to social rank, had been invited.  The interior of the castle had been gorgeously decorated, and the spacious rooms with their lights and music, and throngs of elegantly attired woman, together with the glittering appearance of the men in their court costumes, formed a scene not soon forgotten.