She had doubts about the man, who seemed to her to be a wild animal. She could not understand how he could go back on the past, and contradict his former conduct towards her. She asked herself whether she had done anything so bad that she might look upon her present downfall as a penance for her sins.
A few days later Zaklika entered her room, although she had not called him. Cosel looked at his sad face, and asked,--
"Some bad news?"
"It seems that there is no good news for you in this world," answered he. "Spies already surround the house, and I wanted to tell you to be careful. If I am not mistaken, sooner or later somebody will come and offer you his friendship; you must be careful what you say."
The Countess frowned.
"You ought to know me by this time, I cannot lie even by silence. I had the courage to tell him the truth to his face; I shall have it now, and shall tell the truth to any one who is willing to listen."
"What benefit will it be to you to make them angry?" said he sadly.
The stubborn woman said not a word more, and Zaklika left the room.
Three days after this an elegant young man asked to be announced to the Countess.
It was the Baron von Sinen.