But, ardently as she might return his love, loyal and discreet as her
conduct might be, there were other grave perils menacing the tie which
united the Emperor to Barbara.

Charles was a man of action, of work, of fulfilment of duty. The moment
that he perceived this love bond would impede his progress toward the
lofty goals to which he aspired might easily mark the beginning of its
end.

Now, in the midst of peace, such a result was scarcely to be feared; but
if it came to fighting--and many a sign showed Adrian that war was not
far distant--a great change would take place in his master's character;
the general would assert his rights. Every other consideration would
then be pitilessly thrust aside and, if Charles still remained loyal to
his affection, he would have fallen under the spell of one of those great
passions which defy every assault of time and circumstance and find an
end only in death. But the sharp-sighted man could not believe in such
love on his master's part; in his nature the claims of reason threw those
of the heart too far into the shade. If Barbara was wise, her daily
prayer should be for the maintenance of peace.

To speak of these fears to the care-free girl would have been cruel,
but he could probably give her a useful hint as opportunity offered.

Accustomed to perform his duty silently and, where speech was necessary,
to study the utmost brevity, he had not learned the art of clothing his
thoughts in pleasing forms. So, without circumlocution, he whispered to
Barbara the advice to send away Frau Lerch, who was not fit for her
service, and as soon as possible to dismiss her entirely.