“The advice was stupid, the idea was stupid, and I too was stupid to listen.”
“I knew that if it did not succeed the blame would fall on me,” answered Sakovich.
“For you blundered.”
“The counsel was clever; but if there is some devil at their service who gives warning of everything, I am not to blame.”
The prince rose in the bed. “Do you think that they employ a devil?” asked he, looking quickly at Sakovich.
“But does not your highness know the Papists?”
“I know, I know! And it has often come into my head that there might be enchantment. Since yesterday I am certain. You have struck my idea; therefore I asked if you really think so. But which of them could enter into company with unclean power? Not she, for she is too virtuous; not the sword-bearer, for he is too stupid.”
“But suppose the aunt?”
“That may be.”
“To make certain I bound her yesterday, and put a dagger to her throat; and imagine,—I look to-day, the dagger is as if melted in fire.”