"What have you done that they send you here?" added the Countess.
"It is the caprice of destiny."
Then they saluted and went off.
Wehlen took Zaklika's arm, and conducted him into the third courtyard of the castle, where he occupied a couple of rooms, and where he also wanted to lodge his new comrade.
"Captain von Zaklika," said he, "I am sure this is the first time you have seen the Countess Cosel. What do you say about her beauty? Is she not worthy of the throne?"
He said this with such enthusiasm that he betrayed his secret, which he did not perhaps intend to hide before Zaklika.
"I do not wonder at your enthusiasm," said the latter; "but from your enthusiasm one would imagine you were in love."
"We are both soldiers," answered Wehlen, "and honest folks; why should I deny it? I have lost my head looking at her. I am not ashamed either. There is not another woman like her in the world."
"But," said Zaklika, "you should remember that a woman who was the King's wife would not look upon another man. Then so many misfortunes have withered her heart; finally, she is a prisoner for ever!"
"For ever!" interrupted Wehlen. "What lasts for ever? She is so beautiful!"