Von Arnheim's face reddened also, but he stood at attention before his superior officer and replied with dignity: "I admire Mademoiselle Lannes, although I have known her only ten minutes, but I think, Your Highness, that my admiration is warranted, and also that it is not lacking in respect." "Good for you, von Arnheim," said John, under his breath.

But the medieval mind of Auersperg was not disturbed.

The slow, cruel smile passed across his face again.
"You are brave my Wilhelm," he said, "but I am confirmed in my opinion that some of our princely houses have become tainted.

The harm that was done when Napoleon smashed his way through Europe has never been undone.
The touch of the democracy was defilement, and it does not pass.

Do you think our ancestors would have wasted so much time over a miserable French peasant ?" This was a long speech, much too long for the circumstances, John thought, but von Arnheim still standing stiffly at attention, merely said: "Your Highness I ask this man's life of you.