Blanka met the prince in her antechamber.

He took her offered hand and at the same time barred the waiter's exit with his cane.
"Is the princess still lodged in these rooms ?" he demanded.
The servant could not find a word to say in apology, but the princess came to his aid.
"I wished to remain here," said she, calmly.
The domestic was then dismissed and the visitor ushered into the next room.
"I greatly regret," he began, "that you chose to put aside my friendly intercession on your behalf.

These quarters do not befit your rank.
Furthermore, by retaining a Protestant lawyer you appear to challenge me to the bitterest of conflicts." "Do you so interpret my action ?" asked Blanka, proud reproach in her tone.
"No, Blanka, assuredly not.

Your own noble heart moved you rather to use mild measures--in spite of your attorney.

You generously refrained from pushing your advantage against me while I was detained elsewhere and while my secretary was also unavoidably delayed.