VI
TO BE KEPT SECRET FROM THE COUNTESS
There are few favored spots occupied by blue water and greensward overwhich a greater splendor is cast by the rising sun on a midsummermorning than that portion of the Rhine near Coblentz, and as our littleprocession emerged from the valley of the Saynbach every member of itwas struck with the beauty of the flat country across the Rhine,ripening toward a yellow harvest, flooded by the golden glory of therising sun.
Their route led to the left by the foot of the eastern hills, and notyet along the margin of the great river. Gradually, however, as theyjourneyed in a southerly direction, the highlands deflected themwestward until at last there was but scant room for the road betweenrock and water. Always they were in the shade, a comforting feature of amidsummer journey, an advantage, however, soon to be lost when theycrossed the Rhine by the ferry to Coblentz. The distance from SaynCastle to Schloss Stolzenfels was a little less than four leagues, sotheir early start permitted a leisurely journey.
The Archbishop and the Countess rode side by side. Following them atsome distance came Father Ambrose, deep in his meditations, and payinglittle attention to the horse he rode, which indeed, faithful animal,knew more about the way than did his rider. Still farther to the rearrode half a dozen mounted lancemen, two and two, the scant escort of onewho commanded many thousands of armed men.
"How lovely and how peaceful is the scene," said the Countess. "Howbeautiful are the fields of waving grain; their color of dawn softenedby the deep green of interspersed vineyards, and the water without aripple, like a slumbering lake rather than a strong river. It seems asthough anger, contention, and struggle could not exist in a realm soheavenly."
"'Seems' is the word to use," commented the Archbishop gravely, "but theunbroken placidity of the river you so much admire is a peace of defeat.I had much rather see its flood disturbed by moving barges and theturmoil of commerce. It is a peace that means starvation and death toour capital city, and, indeed, in a lesser degree, to my own town ofCologne, and to Coblentz, whose gates we are approaching."
"But surely," persisted the girl, "the outlook is improving, when youand I travel unmolested with a mere handful of men to guard us. Time waswhen a great and wealthy Archbishop might not stir abroad with less thana thousand men in his train."
The Archbishop smiled.
"I suppose matters mend," he said, "as we progress in civilized usage.The number of my escort, however, is not limited by my own modesty, butstipulated by the Court of Archbishops. Mayence travels down the Rhineand Treves down the Moselle, each with a similar following at hisheels."
"You are pessimistic this lovely morning, my Lord, and will not evenadmit that the world is beautiful."
"It all depends on the point of view, Hildegunde. I regard it from aposition toward the end of life, and you from the charming station ofyouth: the far-apart outlook of an old man and a young girl."
"Nonsense, Guardian, you are anything but old. Nevertheless I am muchdisappointed with your attitude this morning. I fully expected to becomplimented by you."
"Doesn't my whole attitude breathe of compliment?"
"Ah, but I expected a particular compliment to-day!"
"What have I overlooked?"
"You overlooked the fact that yesterday you aroused my most intensecuriosity regarding the journey we are now taking together, and theconference which is to follow. Despite deep anxiety to learn what isbefore me I have not asked you a single question, nor even hinted at thesubject until this moment. Now, I think I should be rewarded for myreticence."
"Ah, Countess, you are an exception among women, and I merely withheldthe well-earned praise until such time as I could broach the subjectoccupying my mind ever since we left the Castle. With the awkwardness ofa man I did not know how to begin until you so kindly indicated theway."
"Perhaps, after all, I make a false claim, because I have guessed yoursecret, and therefore my deep solicitude is assumed."
"Guessed it?" queried the Archbishop, a shade of anxiety crossing hisface.
"Yes. Your story of the former Archbishop and the Countess Matilda gaveme a clue. You have discovered a document proving my right to the townof Linz on the Rhine."
The Archbishop bowed his head, but said nothing.
"Your sense of justice urges you to make amends, but such a long timehas elapsed that my claim is doubtless outlawed, and you do not quiteknow how restoration may be effected. You have, I take it, consultedwith one or other of your colleagues, Mayence or Treves, or perhaps withboth. They have made objection to your proposed generosity, and putforward the argument that you are but temporary trustee of the CologneArchbishopric; that you must guard the rights of your successor; andthis truism could not help but appeal to that quality of equity whichdistinguishes you, so a conference of the prelates has been called, anda majority of that Court will decide whether or not the town of Linzshall be tendered to me. Perhaps a suggestion will be made that I allowthings to remain as they are, in which case I shall at once refuse toaccept the town of Linz. Now, Guardian, how near have I come to solvingthe mystery?"
They rode along in silence together, the Archbishop pondering on theproblem of her further enlightenment. At last he said:
"Cologne is ruled by its Archbishop, wisely or the reverse as the casemay be. The Archbishop, much as he reveres the opinion of hisdistinguished colleagues, would never put them to the inconvenience ofgiving a decision on any matter not concerning them. Linz's fate wassettled when the handwriting of my predecessor, prelate of 1250 A.D.,convinced me that this Rhine town belonged to the House of Sayn.Restitution has already been accomplished in due legal form, and whennext the Countess Hildegunde rides through Linz, she rides through herown town."
"I shall never, never accept it, Guardian."
"It is yours now, Countess. If you do not wish to hold the town, use itas a gift to the fortunate man you marry. And now, Hildegunde, thislong-postponed advice I wish to press upon your attention, must begiven, for we are nearing the ferry to Coblentz, and between that townand Stolzenfels we may have company. Of the three Archbishops you willmeet to-day, there is only one of whom you need take account."
"Oh, I know that," cried the girl, "his Lordship of Cologne!"
The Archbishop smiled, but went on seriously:
"Where two or three men are gathered together, one is sure to be leader.In our case the chief of the trio supposed to be equal is his Highnessof Mayence. Treves and I pretend not to be under his thumb, but we are:that is to say, Treves holds I am under his thumb, and I hold Treves isunder his thumb, and so when one or the other of us join the Archbishopof Mayence, there is a majority of the Court, and the third member ishelpless."
"But why don't you and Treves join together?"
"Because each thinks the other a coward, and doubtless both are right.The point of the matter is that Mayence is the iron man of thecombination; therefore I beg you beware of him, and I also entreat youto agree with the proposal he will make. It will be of tremendousadvantage to you."
"In that case, my Lord, how could I refuse?"
"I hope, my child, you will not, but if you should make objection, do sowith all the tact at your disposal. In fact, refrain wholly fromobjection if you can, and plead for time to consider, so that you and Imay consult together, thus affording me opportunity of bringingarguments to bear that may influence your decision."
"My dear Guardian, you alarm me by the awesome way in which you speak.What fateful choice hangs over my head?"
"I have no wish to frighten you, my daughter, and, indeed, I anticipatelittle chance of disagreement at the conference. I merely desire thatyou shall understand something of Mayence. He is a man whom oppositionmay drive to extremity, and being accustomed to crush those who disagreewith him, rather than conquer by more diplomatic methods, I am anxiousyou should not be led into any semblance of dissent from his wishes. Byagreement between Mayence, Treves, and myself, I am not allowed toenlighten you regarding the question at
issue. I perhaps strain thatagreement a little when I endeavor to put you on your guard. If, at anypoint in the discussion, you wish a few moments to reflect, glanceacross the table at me, and I shall immediately intervene with someinterruption which must be debated by the three members of the Court. Ofcourse, I shall do everything in my power to protect you should our grimfriend Mayence lose his temper, as may happen if you thwart him."
"Why am I likely to thwart him?"
"Why indeed? I see no reason. I am merely an old person perhapsover-cautious. Hence this warding off of a crisis which I hope willnever arise."
"Guardian, I have one question to ask, and that will settle the matterhere on the border of the Rhine, before we reach Stolzenfels. Do youthoroughly approve, with your heart, mind, and conscience, of theproposition to be made to me?"
"I do," replied the Archbishop, in a tone of conviction that none couldgainsay. "Heart and soul, agree."
"Then, Guardian, your crisis that never came vanishes. I shall tell hisLordship of Mayence, in my sweetest voice and most ingratiating manner,that I will do whatever he requests."
Here the conversation ceased, for the solitude now gave way to a sceneof activity, as they came to the landing alongside which lay thefloating bridge, a huge barge, capable of carrying their whole companyat one voyage. Several hundred persons, on horseback or on foot,gathered along the river-bank, raised a cheer as the Archbishopappeared. The Countess thought they waited to greet him, but they weremerely travelers or market people who found their journey interrupted atthis point. An emissary of the Archbishop had commanded the ferry-boatto remain at its eastern landing until his Lordship came aboard. Whenthe distinguished party embarked, the crew instantly cast off theirmoorings, and the tethered barge, impelled by the swift current, gentlyswung across to the opposite shore.
A great concourse of people greeted their arrival at Coblentz, and ifvociferous shouts and hurrahs are signs of popularity, the Archbishophad reason to congratulate himself upon his reception. The prelate bowedand smiled, but did not pause at Coblentz, and, to the evidentdisappointment of the multitude, continued his way up the Rhine. Whenthe little cavalcade drew away from the mob, the Countess spoke:
"I had no thought," she said, "that Coblentz contained so manyinhabitants."
"Neither does it," replied the Archbishop.
"Then is this simply an influx of people from the country, and is theconclave of the Archbishops of such importance that it draws so manysightseers?"
"The Court held by the Archbishops on this occasion is very important. Isuspect, however, that those are no sightseers, for the general publicis quite unaware that we meet to-day. They who cheered so lustily justnow are, I think, men of Treves."
"Do you mean soldiers?"
"Aye. Soldiers in the dress of ordinary townsmen, but I dare say theyall know where to find their weapons should a war-cry arise."
"Do you imply that the Archbishop of Treves has broken his compact? Iunderstood that your escort was limited to the few men following you."
His Lordship laughed.
"The Archbishop of Treves," he said, "is not a great strategist, yet Isurmise he is ready in case of trouble to seize the city of Coblentz."
"What trouble could arise?"
"The present moment is somewhat critical, for the Emperor lies dying inFrankfort. We three Electors hope to avoid all commotion by having ourplans prepared and acting upon them promptly. But the hours between thedeath of an Emperor and the appointment of his successor are fatefulwith uncertainty. I suppose the good Sisters at Nonnenwerth taught youabout the Election of an Emperor?"
"Indeed, Guardian, I am sorry to confess that if they did I haveforgotten all about it."
"There are seven Electors; four high nobles of the Empire and threeArchbishops, Lords Temporal and Lords Spiritual. The present CountPalatine of the Rhine is, like my friend Treves, completely under thedominion of the Archbishop of Mayence, so the three Lords Spiritual,with the aid of the Count Palatine, form a majority of the ElectoralCourt."
"I understand. And now I surmise that you assemble at Stolzenfels tochoose our future Emperor."
"No; he has already been chosen, but his name will not be announced toany person save one before the Emperor dies."
"Doubtless that one is the Count Palatine."
"No, Countess, he remains ignorant; and I give you warning, Madam, I amnot to be cross-questioned by indirection. You should be merciful: I ambut clay in your hands, yet there is certain information I am forbiddento impart, so I will merely say that if the Archbishop happens to be ingood-humor this afternoon, he is very likely to tell you who will be thefuture Emperor."
The girl gave an exclamation of surprise.
"To tell me? Why should he do so?"
"I said I was not to be cross-examined any further. I tremble now withapprehension lest I have let slip something I should not, therefore wewill change the subject to one of paramount importance; namely, ourmidday meal. I intended to stop at Coblentz for that repast, but theArchbishop of Treves, whose guests we are, was good enough to accept amenu I suggested, therefore we will sit at table with him."
"You suggested a menu?"
"Yes; I hope you will approve of it. There is some excellent Rhinesalmon, with a sauce most popular in Treves, a sauce that has beencelebrated for centuries. Next some tender venison from the forestbehind Stolzenfels, which is noted for its deer. There are, beside,cakes and various breads, also vegetables, and all are to be washed downby delicate Oberweseler wine. How does my speis-card please you,Countess?"
"I am committing it to memory, Guardian, so that I shall know what toprepare for you when next you visit my Castle of Sayn."
"Oh, this repast is not in my honor, but in yours. I feared you mightobject to the simplicity of it. It is upon record that this meal wasmuch enjoyed by a young lady some centuries ago, at this very Castle ofStolzenfels, shortly after it was completed. Indeed, I think it likelyshe was the noble castle's first guest. Stolzenfels was built by Arnoldvon Isenberg, the greatest Archbishop that ever ruled over Treves, if Imay except Archbishop Baldwin, the fighter. Isenberg determined to havea stronghold on the Rhine midway between Mayence and Cologne, and hemade it a palace as well as a fortress, taking his time about it--in allseventeen years. He began its erection in 1242, and so was building atthe time your ancestress Matilda ceded Linz to the Archbishop ofCologne, therefore I imagine Cologne probably wished to have astronghold within striking distance of Treves' new castle.
"One of the first to visit Stolzenfels was a charming young English girlnamed Isabella, who was no other than the youngest daughter of John,King of England. Doubtless she came here with an imposing suite ofattendants, and I surmise that the great prelate's castle saw impressivepageants and festivities, for the chronicler, after setting down themenu whose excellence I hope to test to-day, adds:
"'They ate well, and drank better, and the Royal maiden danced a greatdeal.'
"Her brother then occupied the English throne. He was Henry III., and ofcourse much attention was paid over here to his dancing sister."
"Why, Guardian, what you say gives a new interest to old Stolzenfels. Ihave never been within the Castle, but now I shall view it with delight,wondering through which of the rooms the English Princess danced. Whydid Isabella come from England all the way to the Rhine?"
"She came to meet the three Archbishops."
"Really? For what purpose?"
"That they might in ecclesiastical form, and upon the highestecclesiastical authority, announce her betrothal."
"Announce in Stolzenfels the betrothal of an English Princess, thedaughter of one king and sister of another! Did she, then, marry aGerman?"
"Yes; she married the Emperor, Frederick II.; Frederick ofHohenstaufen."
Slowly the girl turned her head, and looked steadfastly at theArchbishop, who was gazing earnestly up the road as if to catch aglimpse of the Castle which had been the scene of the events he related.Her face became pale, and a questio
ning wonder rose in her eyes. Whatdid the Archbishop really mean by this latest historical recital? True,he was a man who had given much study to ancient lore; rather fond ofexhibiting his proficiency therein when he secured patient listeners.Could there be any secret meaning in his story of the English Princesswho danced? Was there any hidden analogy between the journey of theEnglish Isabella, and the short trip taken that day by Hildegunde ofSayn? She was about to speak when the Archbishop made a slight signalwith his right hand, and a horseman who had followed them all the wayfrom Coblentz now spurred up alongside of his Lordship, who said sharplyto the newcomer:
"How many of Treves' men are in Coblentz?"
"Eight hundred and fifty, my Lord."
"Enough to capture the town?"
"Coblentz is already in their possession, my Lord."
"They seem to be unarmed."
"Their weapons are stored under guard in the Church of St. Castor, andcan be in the hands of the soldiers within a few minutes after a signalis rung by the St. Castor's bells."
"Are there any troops in Coblentz from Mayence?"
"No, my Lord."
"How many of my men have been placed behind the Castle of Stolzenfels?"
"Three thousand are concealed in the forest near the hilltop."
"How many men has my Lord of Mayence within call?"
"Apparently only the scant half-dozen that reached Stolzenfels with himyesterday."
"Are you sure of that?"
"Scouts have been sent all through the forest to the south, and havebrought us no word of an advancing company. Other scouts have gone upthe river as far as Bingen, but everything is quiet, and it would havebeen impossible for his Lordship to march a considerable number of menfrom any quarter towards Stolzenfels without one or other of our hundredspies learning of the movement."
"Then doubtless Mayence depends on his henchman Treves."
"It would seem so, my Lord."
"Thank you; that will do."
The rider saluted, turned his horse towards the north, and gallopedaway, and a few moments later the little procession came within sight ofStolzenfels, standing grandly on its conical hill beside the Rhine,against a background of green formed by the mountainous forests to therear.
This conversation, which she could not help but hear, had drivenentirely from the mind of Hildegunde the pretty story of the EnglishPrincess.
"Why, Guardian!" she said, "we seem to be in the midst of impendingcivil war."
The Archbishop smiled.
"We are in the midst of an assured peace," he replied.
"What! with Coblentz practically seized, and three thousand of your menlurking in the woods above us?"
"Yes. I told you that Treves was no strategist. I suppose he and Mayenceimagine that by seizing the town of Coblentz they cut off my retreat toCologne. They know it would be useless in a crisis for me to journey upthe river, as I should then be getting farther and farther from my baseof supplies both in men and provisions, therefore the Archbishop ofMayence has neglected to garrison that quarter."
"But, Guardian, you are surely entrapped, with Coblentz thus held?"
"Not so, my child, while I command three thousand men to their eighthundred."
"But that means a battle!"
"A battle that will never take place, Hildegunde, because I shall seizesomething much more valuable than any town, namely, the persons of thetwo Archbishops. With their Lordships of Treves and Mayence in mycustody, cut off from communication with their own troops, I have slightfear of a leaderless army. The very magnitude of the force at my commandis an assurance of peace."
They now arrived at the branching hill-road leading up to the gates ofStolzenfels just above them, and conversation ceased, but the Countesswas fated to remember before the afternoon grew old the final wordsCologne spoke so confidently.