Count Marlanx has great influence at the Austrian court.

Despite the fact that he is a despised and discredited man in his own country, he still is a power among people high in the government of more than one empire.

The Duke of Perse realised this when he compelled his daughter to accept him as her husband.

The fair Ingomede is less than twenty-five years of age; the Iron Count is fully sixty-five." "She ought to be rescued," was King's only comment, but there was no mistaking the gleam of interest in his steady grey eyes.
"Rescued ?" repeated the old man, with a broad grin.

"And why?
She is mistress of one of the finest old castles in Austria, Schloss Marlanx, and she is quite beautiful enough to have lovers by the score when the Count grows a little blinder and less jealous.