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Updated: June 5, 2025
Grumbach refilled his pipe, lighted it, and without saying more went out and down into the street. Carmichael watched him through the window. Cloud after cloud of smoke ran wavering behind the exile. He was smoking like one deeply perturbed. "He's a queer codger, and it's a queer story. I don't believe I have heard it all, either. What was he really hunting for with those glasses? I give it up."
But to his surprise his friend Carmichael stopped his horse and beckoned to him. "Herr Grumbach," said Carmichael, "her serene highness desires me to present you." Hans was stricken dumb. He knew of no greater honor. "Mr. Carmichael," she said in English, "tells me that you fought with him in the American war?" "Yes, Highness."
"All through it." Carmichael was no longer indifferent. He gave his hand. "I've got a few scars myself. What regiment?" "The th cavalry, New York." "What troop?" with growing excitement. "C troop." "I was captain of B troop in the same regiment. Hurrah! Work's over for the day. Come along with me, Grumbach, and we'll talk it over down-stairs in the Black Eagle. You're a godsend. C troop!
"It is not broken, Highness," said Grumbach; "only the chain has come apart." Then he handed it to her gravely. "Thank you!" Her highness put both chain and locket into a small purse which she carried in her belt, touched the mare, and sped up the road, Carmichael following. Grumbach returned to the parapet. He followed them till they passed out of sight beyond the gates. "Gott!" he murmured.
"Explain." "I can give you no explanations. I wish to attend this ball. I do not care to meet the grand duke or any one else. Put me in the gallery where I shall not be noticed. That is all I ask of you." "That might be done. But you have roused my curiosity. Your request is out of the ordinary. You have some purpose?" "A perfectly harmless one," said Grumbach, mopping his forehead.
"As for you," said the duke to the Gipsy, "go, and if you ever step this side the frontier again you will be shot out of hand." He stopped again in front of Grumbach. "I promised to have you shot in the morning. That promise holds. But a train leaves for Paris a little after midnight. My advice is for you not to miss it." "And my father, your Highness?" said Hildegarde bravely.
Only he, Hans Grumbach, knew and one other. And that other, who? Fat, Tekla was fat; and he had treasured the fair picture of her youth these long years! Well, there was an end to that. Little fat Tekla, to have nearly overturned a duchy, and never a bit the wiser! And then Hans became aware of voices close at hand, for he sat near the bar. "Yes, Fräu, he is at work in the grand duke's vineyards.
"Waiting for his excellency. We have been here something past an hour." "What's the trouble?" Carmichael inquired. "Your excellency knows as much as I do," said the officer, who was in fact no less than the sub-chief of the bureau. "And I am in the dark, also," said Grumbach, twirling his hat. Carmichael walked about, studying the many curios.
The real horror of his act did not come home to him till then. Ah, the remorse! But it was too late. They dressed the little one in rags. But when I ran away from them I took her little shoes and cloak and locket." Hermann was on his feet! Grumbach relighted his cigar which had gone out. The smoke wavered about his face and slowly ascended. His eyes were as bright and glowing as coals. He waited.
She was the most beautiful woman in all Germany, and she sang like one of those Italian nightingales. I recall her when I was a boy. I would gladly have died at a word from her. All loved her. The king of Jugendheit wanted her, but she loved the grand duke. So the Princess Hildegarde has come back to her own? God is good!" And Grumbach bent his head reverently.
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