"She is not here at present; you will see her by and by."
"True, there is no hurry; but send for the prince, I entreat of you."
"Sister, I know not why, but your manner alarms me, and there is a strangeness in your very looks as well as words!"
And Seyton spoke truly. The very absence of all emotion in Sarah inspired him with a vague and indefinable uneasiness; he even fancied he saw her eyes filled with tears she hastily repressed. But unable to account for his own suspicions, he at once quitted the chamber.
"Now, then," said Sarah, "if I may but see and embrace my daughter, I shall be satisfied. I fear there will be considerable difficulty in obtaining that happiness; Rodolph will refuse me, as a punishment for the past. But I must and will accomplish my longing desire! Oh, yes! I cannot—will not be denied! But the prince comes!"
Rodolph entered, and carefully closed the door after him. Addressing Sarah in a cold, constrained manner, he said:
"I presume your brother has told you all?"
"He has!"
"And your ambition is satisfied."
"Quite—quite satisfied?"