It was almost midnight when the King retired to his cabinet, where his ministers were awaiting him. The King had barely quitted the palace, before Cosel rang the bell, and ordered the servant to send Zaklika to her.
As was his wont, the faithful Raymond was sitting in the ante-room, reading a half-torn book. On seeing the servant he shivered. He had saved Cosel, but he knew his action would be regarded as a sin. Tremblingly he entered the lady's room. Cosel, beautiful as a goddess, and proud as an absolute sovereign, was pacing up and down the room. She frowned on seeing Zaklika, and stood before him threateningly.
"Who gave you permission to alter my orders?" she inquired.
Zaklika stood for a few moments with his eyes drooped, then, raising them towards the Countess's face, he replied,--
"I am guilty, Madam. You remember Laubegast, and the devotion with which I gazed on you from afar. This sentiment, cherished until now, explains everything to you. I desired to save you."
"I require help from no one!" exclaimed Cosel severely. "I required you to obey me, that is all, and I despise the sentiments of a servant! They are offensive to me."
Zaklika's head drooped.
"Who told you that I cared more about your helping me to get out of trouble than I did about Count Lecherenne not receiving the ring?"
"The Count received the ring," replied Zaklika, although he suffered dreadfully at receiving such hard words.
"What ring?" demanded Cosel.