"Your majesty," said Count Wedel in a trembling voice, "whatever has happened, or whatever may happen, my heart remains ever the same."
"You bring me news of the queen?" asked the king.
"Certainly, your majesty," replied the count, producing several letters and handing them to the king; "a letter from her majesty, notes from the princesses, and a report from Herr von Malortie upon your private estates."
The king laid the letters before him on the table.
"How is the queen?" he asked, "how does she bear these sorrowful times?"
"Her majesty is calm and dignified," said the count, "but very unhappy, the queen desires most earnestly to join your majesty as soon as possible."
A deep shadow passed over the king's brow.
"Whether God will bring us together again," he said, "lies in the dark womb of the future; at present the queen must remain where she is, and represent the government; such is my will."
Count Wedel was silent.
"How is the countess?" asked the king.