"Mora, my breast is afire. Bring me a cup of water with some honey, to cool me and slake my thirst."
The servant hurriedly nodded her head and vanished with Tetrik, who lingered for a moment at the threshold.
"Oh, my brother!" murmured Victoria despondently when we were again alone. "My long struggle with that man has exhausted me—the sight of evil lames my energies—I feel broken—"
"Want of sleep, excitement, the horror that the sight of Tetrik inspired you with—all this has rendered you feverish. Take a little rest, sister; I shall instantly transcribe your conversation with the man. This very evening justice will be done."
"You are right; I think that if I could sleep a while I should feel relieved. Go, brother, but do not leave the house."
"Would you like Sampso to keep you company?"
"No, I prefer to be alone."
Mora re-entered. She carried a cup filled with the beverage that her mistress had ordered. The latter took the cup and drained its contents with avidity. Leaving my foster-sister to the care of her servant, I went back to my room in order to reproduce the words of Tetrik accurately. I was just about finishing the task, which took me nearly two hours, when Mora dashed in pale and frightened.
"Schanvoch!" she cried panting for breath. "Come! Come quick! Drop your writing! Hasten to my mistress!"
"What is the matter! What has happened?"