"I thought so."
"Conduct me to the empty hall when the women are not with the Countess; I shall not be long with her."
"Were it not for the women everything could be done very easily. Unfortunately, they are with the Countess by turns."
"Tell your wife to invite them."
"No, a woman should not know about anything."
"Yes," said Zaklika; "but she can invite them without knowing why."
The consultation lasted quite a while, and they agreed that at the next opportunity the steward should let Zaklika see the Countess.
One day, as she was in her chamber, she heard a knocking at the iron door of the tower. With throbbing heart she rushed there and knocked at it too. At that moment the door opened and Zaklika appeared.
"I have only time to tell you that I am in the vicinity, and that I will do anything to come to your rescue."
"Help me to escape!" said Cosel.