myself! What other woman in my place would not be prejudiced, and think
herself committed? But, thank Heaven! I was born just!' Otto's windows
were bright among the rest, and she looked on them with rising
tenderness. 'How does it feel to be deserted?' she thought. 'Poor dear
fool! The girl deserves that he should see this order.'

Without more delay, she passed into the palace and asked for an audience
of Prince Otto. The Prince, she was told, was in his own apartment, and
desired to be private. She sent her name. A man presently returned with
word that the Prince tendered his apologies, but could see no one. 'Then
I will write,' she said, and scribbled a few lines alleging urgency of
life and death. 'Help me, my Prince,' she added; 'none but you can help
me.' This time the messenger returned more speedily, and begged the
Countess to follow him: the Prince was graciously pleased to receive the
Frau Grafin von Rosen.

Otto sat by the fire in his large armoury, weapons faintly glittering all
about him in the changeful light. His face was disfigured by the marks
of weeping; he looked sour and sad; nor did he rise to greet his visitor,
but bowed, and bade the man begone. That kind of general tenderness
which served the Countess for both heart and conscience, sharply smote
her at this spectacle of grief and weakness; she began immediately to
enter into the spirit of her part; and as soon as they were alone, taking
one step forward and with a magnificent gesture--'Up!' she cried.

'Madame von Rosen,' replied Otto dully, 'you have used strong words. You
speak of life and death. Pray, madam, who is threatened? Who is there,'
he added bitterly, 'so destitute that even Otto of Grunewald can assist
him?'

'First learn,' said she, 'the names of the conspirators; the Princess and
the Baron Gondremark. Can you not guess the rest?' And then, as he
maintained his silence--'You!' she cried, pointing at him with her
finger. ''Tis you they threaten! Your rascal and mine have laid their
heads together and condemned you. But they reckoned without you and me.
We make a _partie carree_, Prince, in love and politics. They lead an
ace, but we shall trump it. Come, partner, shall I draw my card?'

'Madam,' he said, 'explain yourself. Indeed I fail to comprehend.'

'See, then,' said she; and handed him the order.

He took it, looked upon it with a start; and then, still without speech,
he put his hand before his