A Crown of Straw

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1896 edition. Excerpt: ...was congratulating himself on the comparative success with which his colleague had baffled Maximilian. "We cannot complain," he said, as they strolled back to his private room through the spacious corridors of the Castle. "We have put him off for a time, at all events. But it was unfortunate that you should have made that admission about the working class being in sympathy with the Socialists." " But you told me to let the King know the truth," objected the other. The Count heaved a deep sigh. " My dear Moritz, you will never make a statesman! And then, why did you suggest a Commission? A most dangerous proceeding!" " Not if we put our own men upon it, surely," answered the young man, deprecatingly. "But, my dear fellow, the King will insist on that scoundrel of a Mark taking part in it. No, the Commission will never do. I tell you what it is, Moritz, we must get this man away from the King at any price. Do you think--" He glanced round to see that no one was near, and then whispered something in his companion's car at which the other fairly started. " No, no, my lord; we must not think of that." The Count said nothing more, and they got to his apartment. There they found the Lady Gertrude, who sprang impatiently towards her father as he entered. On seeing who was with him she restrained herself with some slight confusion, and blushed as she acknowledged the warm greeting of the young Minister. But her father's inquiring look quickly recalled her to the object which had brought her into his apartments, and she said--" I have been waiting for an opportunity to see you all day. I have something important which I must tell you...