"And all the others are the mere dolls, puppets, wooden horses, armorbearers, and bloodhounds of one man, named Barbarossa. Mix up all these creatures together, pound them into a paste, and put it under a press; you will not extract the least action of independence, energy, or generosity." "Hum! you are not far wrong; but we are forgetting the important part. What is it that your Excellency is empowered to communicate to me?" "That you must go at once to your cousin; she has been seeking you for the last hour." The Duke took his leave of Rechberg, and in company with the jester went towards the tent of the Princess of Saxony. _CHAPTER XXIV_. _THE WALK_. Hedwige was busily employed in dressing the hair of her young mistress, and after arranging the silken tresses which fell in a mass of curls upon her shoulders, she placed a crown of silver, studded with jewels, upon her head. "Be good enough," she said, "to look in the mirror, and tell me if you are satisfied with my skill." "It does well enough!" replied Hermengarde, after a hasty glance; "but now, hurry and finish." "I cannot go so fast. You know that every one looks at you. I don't want to be accused of negligence!" and she gazed affectionately at the young girl. Hermengarde was dressed entirely in white; her robe fitting closely to her arms and bust, displayed the elegance of her figure, and by its shape and color enhanced her native grace and distinction. Her whole soul beamed in her eyes, and, as she stood there before her nurse, she appeared the creature of another world, detached from the cares and anxieties of earth. "So far it is all right!" said Hedwige, after a careful examination. She placed a light blue mantle, with buttons and embroideries of gold, upon her shoulders. "Perfect," she resumed; "I could kiss you gladly, you look so well! White and blue suit you admirably." "Don't stop for such follies, Hedwige; they have already been twice to see if we were ready." "Do not fear; we will get there in time for the cavalcade. But how stiff and cold everything is here. The Empress' women are like dolls. What serious faces! and what choice language they use! I am afraid all the time to open my mouth, lest I say something I ought not to. I am glad that we are going where we shall have a little freedom." She threw over her mistress a costly mantle trimmed with ermine, and then fastened to her coronet a long veil, which shielded her face from the heat of the sun and the impertinent stare of the crowd. A few moments after, Hermengarde and Erwin rode through the camp towards the neighboring wood, followed by Hedwige and the Count's servant Gero. "How long has it been since your visit to Castellamare, my lord Count?--about three months, is it not?" "Three months and six days, madam."