His eyes opened widely. He stared blankly at the letter which he held motionless before him.
At last he turned to the ladies with sparkling eyes, and a face much heightened in colour.
"I know not what demon has been at work--I know not who desires to tear asunder two hearts that God destined for each other. Countess," he said, "you owe me the truth, I demand who gave you this paper?"
Clara's eyes were fixed anxiously on the young man's face, her bosom rose and fell.
The face of the countess expressed the repugnance she had felt during the whole conversation; she replied coldly:
"Your word of honour to be silent!"
"I give it," said Herr von Stielow.
"Then," said the countess, "this letter accidentally fell into the hands of this lady's husband, and he----"
"Deceit! shameful deceit!" cried von Stielow, half angrily, half joyfully, "I do not yet quite see through it, but be it as it may, countess--Clara--this letter is a year old; see, if you look closely, the date is freshly written. This is a scandalous intrigue!"
He handed the letter to the countess.