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coal and other minerals in his country as her father and Prince Vaslov were doing.
    *
    It took them under two hours to reach the Capital of Krnov where the Palace was situated.
    The Capital certainly looked more prosperous and the houses were much better built, but the citizens looked apathetic.
    They stared in amazement at the Princess’s carriage and her Escort and yet there was no question of cheering or waving as her own people always did to her and her father.
    The Palace, as they approached it, seemed to look impressive. It was high above the City and being built of white stone was at least conspicuous.
    Zolita’s Mounted Escort looked very smart as they turned in through the gates.
    The sentries came immediately to attention.
    There was a long driveway passing through gardens bright with blossom, but they did not compare in any way, Zoleka thought, with the gardens at home.
    She had tidied herself at the inn before she left and now she took a quick glance at her face in the little mirror in her handbag.
    With her eyes shining and the sun catching the glint in her fair hair, she looked very lovely in her mother’s hat.
    The carriage came slowly to a standstill outside the large doors of the Palace.
    Zoleka saw Anton Bauer waiting for her and behind him, just in the doorway, were three people.
    â€œHe has done it,” she whispered to Pieter. “I am sure that is the Prime Minister and the Lord Chamberlain.”
    â€œYour Royal Highness was very clever to get them here,” replied Pieter.
    The carriage door was now opened by a footman in Royal Livery.
    Zoleka stepped out.
    She walked towards the one female in the reception party who she guessed must be Princess Udele.
    She realised as she did so that the Princess was very pretty, but looking rather frightened.
    In fact she saw the Lord Chamberlain put his hand on her back as if to push her forward.
    Zoleka kissed her on both cheeks.
    â€œIt is delightful to meet Your Royal Highness,” she said, “after so many years of being kept apart.”
    â€œWelcome to Krnov,” greeted Princess Udele in a faltering voice. “We are – very honoured to have you here.”
    It was obviously what she had been told to say.
    Zoleka replied,
    â€œAnd I am so pleased to be here in Krnov. It will be very exciting, I hope, for both of us.”
    She then turned to the Prime Minister and held out her hand. He bowed over it and made a long speech of welcome, which he had quite obviously made many times before.
    Then Zoleka turned to the Lord Chamberlain.
    He welcomed her briefly before asking in what she thought was rather a sharp voice,
    â€œI can see Your Royal Highness has brought a large Escort with you. Will they be riding back tonight?”
    Zoleka gave a cry of horror.
    â€œOh, no! It would be far too much for the horses. I hope you will be kind enough to permit them to stay for the night. And may I first present to Her Royal Highness and of course to you, Count Franz von Hoffmannstall who has graciously come with me as my aide-de-camp .”
    She glanced at the Prime Minister before adding,
    â€œI expect you have met some of his distinguished family in Vienna. Count Franz is a brilliant horseman and we are delighted he has come to stay with us in Opava.”
    The Prime Minister and the Lord Chamberlain were all bows and politeness.
    There were no Austrians who were not aware of the Hofmannstalls and the part they had played in the history of Austria.
    They moved inside the Palace.
    The hall, thought Zoleka, was fairly imposing but shabby.
    â€œWould Your Royal Highness like to retire to your room before we have tea, which I have arranged for you in the Blue drawing room?” the Lord Chamberlain asked.
    â€œI have been thinking about my room on the way here,” responded Zoleka. “When I saw a plan of the Palace I was very impressed. I do so hope that I shall be given the State room which I am told is the