Part 5 (1/2)

After a short time the woman regained sufficient consciousness to realize her surroundings and tried to lift her feet from the bench.

”Oh, Countess, you will tax yourself too much. Please go in, there is a strong draught here.”

”Yes, but you must come with me,” said the countess, ”try whether you can use your feet.”

It was vain, she tried to take a step, but her feet refused to obey her will.

”Alas!” cried the countess deeply moved. ”She is paralyzed--and it is my fault.”

Anna gently took her hand and raised it to her lips. ”Pray don't distress yourself, Countess, it will pa.s.s away. I am only sorry that I have caused you such a fright.” She tried to smile, the ugly face looked actually beautiful at that moment, and the tones of her voice, whose tremor she strove to conceal, was so touching as she tried to comfort and soothe the self-reproach of the woman who had caused the misfortune that tears filled the countess' eyes.

”How wise she is,” said the prince, marvelling at such delicacy and feeling.

”Come,” said the countess, ”we must get her into the warm rooms.”

Andreas Gross, and at a sign from the prince, the valet, carried the sick woman in and laid her on the bench by the stove. The countess held her icy hand, while tears streamed steadily down the sufferer's cheeks.

”Do you feel any pain?” asked the lady anxiously.

”No, oh no--but I can't help weeping because the Countess is so kind to me--I am in no pain--no indeed!” She smiled again, the touching smile which seeks to console others.

”Yes, yes,” said the old man, ”you need not be troubled, she will be well to-morrow.”

The child laid her head lovingly on her mother's breast, a singularly peaceful atmosphere pervaded the room, a modest dignity marked the bearing of the poor peasants. The prince and the countess also sat in thoughtful silence. Suddenly the sick woman started up, ”Oh dear, I almost forget the main thing. The lady can have the lodgings. Two very handsome rooms and excellent attendance, but the countess must go at once as soon as the shower is over. They will be kept only an hour.

More people will arrive at ten.”

”I thank you,” said the countess with a strange expression.

”Oh, there is no need. I am only glad I secured the rooms, and that the countess can have attendance,” replied the sick woman joyously. ”I shall soon be better, then I'll show the way.”

”I thank you,” repeated the countess earnestly. ”I do not want the rooms, I shall _stay here_.”

”What are you going to do?” asked the prince in amazement.

”Yes, I am ashamed that I was so foolish this evening. Will you keep me, you kind people, after I have done you so much injustice, and caused you such harm.”

”Oh! you must consult your own pleasure. We shall be glad to have you stay with us, but we shall take no offence, if it would be more pleasant for you elsewhere,” said the old man with unruffled kindness.

”Then I will stay.”

”That is a good decision, Countess,” said the prince. ”You always do what is right.” He beckoned to Sephi, the thin sister, and whispered a few words. She vanished in the countess' room, returning in a short time with dry shoes and stockings, which she had found in one of the travelling satchels. The prince went to the window and stood there with his back turned to the room. ”We must do the best that opportunity permits,” he said energetically. ”I beg your highness to let this lady change your shoes and stockings. I am answerable for your health, not only to myself, but to society.”

The countess submitted to the prince's arrangement, and the little ice-cold feet slid comfortably into the dry coverings, which Sephi had warmed at the stove. She now felt as if she was among human beings and gradually became more at ease. After Sephi had left the room she walked proudly up to the prince in her dry slippers, and said: ”Come, Prince, let us pace to and fro, that our chilled blood may circulate once more.”

The prince gracefully offered his arm and led her up and down the long work-shop. Madeleine was bewitching at that moment, and the grateful expression of her animated face suited her to a charm.

”I must go,” he thought, ”or I shall be led into committing some folly which will spoil all my chances with her.”

CHAPTER III.