"One similar to yours. I had received one from Count Starenberg, and I gave it to the Count!"
Cosel was astonished.
"You deserve some reward," she whispered.
"Not a reward, but forgiveness," said Zaklika. "I could not accept a reward."
He retreated towards the door, and stood leaning against it. Cosel watched him for some time. Evidently some change had come over her sentiments, but pride prevailed.
She approached Zaklika, and handed him the ring that had been intended for Lecherenne.
Then Raymond woke, as from a dream, and seeing the ring in her white hand, he said,--
"I cannot accept it! It would always remind me that you were cruel to me."
The ring disappeared, and instead, the white hand approached Zaklika's lips.
He kissed it rapturously, and then rushed from the room like a madman, and Countess Cosel was left alone, thoughtful, and with tears in her beautiful dark eyes.