Part 21 (1/2)

Cosel looked confused. The King broke forth in fury. He did not wish to hear any explanation. The servants rushed out terrified, for the King's voice resounded loudly throughout the palace. Fear took possession of every one.

Cosel was just ready to faint, when a knock was heard at the door, and, looking up, she saw the pale, sad face of Zaklika.

”I beg to be excused for entering,” said he, ”but the servants have informed me that they cannot find the ring, which about an hour since I picked up on the floor, and which I was only waiting for a proper opportunity to return.”

The King glanced at the ring, and was silent.

Cosel did not even look at Zaklika, she said not a word to Augustus, but, placing the ring slowly on her finger, she cast an angry glance at her lover, and walked into another room.

That was quite sufficient to calm the King, and make him seek her pardon on his knees. He remained the whole day at the palace, thereby hindering Cosel from summoning Zaklika, and demanding an explanation.

It was almost midnight when the King retired to his cabinet, where his ministers were awaiting him. The King had barely quitted the palace, before Cosel rang the bell, and ordered the servant to send Zaklika to her.

As was his wont, the faithful Raymond was sitting in the ante-room, reading a half-torn book. On seeing the servant he s.h.i.+vered. He had saved Cosel, but he knew his action would be regarded as a sin.

Tremblingly he entered the lady's room. Cosel, beautiful as a G.o.ddess, and proud as an absolute sovereign, was pacing up and down the room.

She frowned on seeing Zaklika, and stood before him threateningly.

”Who gave you permission to alter my orders?” she inquired.

Zaklika stood for a few moments with his eyes drooped, then, raising them towards the Countess's face, he replied,--

”I am guilty, Madam. You remember Laubegast, and the devotion with which I gazed on you from afar. This sentiment, cherished until now, explains everything to you. I desired to save you.”

”I require help from no one!” exclaimed Cosel severely. ”I required you to obey me, that is all, and I despise the sentiments of a servant!

They are offensive to me.”

Zaklika's head drooped.

”Who told you that I cared more about your helping me to get out of trouble than I did about Count Lecherenne not receiving the ring?”

”The Count received the ring,” replied Zaklika, although he suffered dreadfully at receiving such hard words.

”What ring?” demanded Cosel.

”One similar to yours. I had received one from Count Starenberg, and I gave it to the Count!”

Cosel was astonished.

”You deserve some reward,” she whispered.

”Not a reward, but forgiveness,” said Zaklika. ”I could not accept a reward.”

He retreated towards the door, and stood leaning against it. Cosel watched him for some time. Evidently some change had come over her sentiments, but pride prevailed.

She approached Zaklika, and handed him the ring that had been intended for Lecherenne.

Then Raymond woke, as from a dream, and seeing the ring in her white hand, he said,--

”I cannot accept it! It would always remind me that you were cruel to me.”