It was the grand duke himself.

There was General Ducwitz, too, and some of his staff, and a smooth-faced, handsome young man in civilian riding-clothes, who, though he rode like a cavalryman, was obviously of foreign birth, an Englishman or an American.

They were laughing and chatting amiably, for the grand duke of Ehrenstein bothered himself about formalities only at formal times.

The outsider watched them regretfully as they went by, and there was some envy in his heart, too.
When the cavalcade reached the goose-girl, the peace of the scene vanished forthwith.

Confusion took up the scepter.