She grasped his hand.
"Come with me, I will not release you until I have explained everything. I do not wish you to accuse me unjustly--that would be too much! I could not survive that!"
The Princess, her beautiful eyes full of tears, looked so eloquently at the young man, as she uttered these words, that all traces of sorrow disappeared from his face.
Obedient to her commands, he followed the litter; when it stopped, he helped her to alight, and together they entered the palace. Tired and broken in spirit, the Princess sank on the sofa, and motioned to the young man to seat himself by her side.
"Prince, you behold me angry and indignant. I have just returned from visiting her whom my horrible enemies have brought here, that the King may have the distraction of a new face; whom they have brought here to drive me away, and to overthrow my influence with the King. Have you heard about Countess Hoym?"
"No," replied the young man, who was Prince Ludwig von Würtemberg. "I have only heard them laughing at poor Hoym, whom they made drunk, so that they might compel him to show his wife."
"Yes," exclaimed the Princess with animation, "they well knew how to arouse Augustus's curiosity. But I have seen her; she is beautiful, and she is dangerous."
"So much the better!" cried the Prince, springing from his seat. "Then you will be free!"
Teschen blushed, and looked inquiringly at the young man--there was a moment's silence, then she stretched out her hands towards him. He seized them, kissed them with fervour, and was still holding them, when a little woman, who bore some likeness to the Princess, rushed into the room, laughing maliciously.
It was difficult to guess how old she was, for she had one of those faces which, never being fresh, do not grow old for a long time. Her sharp, grey, malicious eyes were full of animation, her lips wore an ironical smile, whilst her features bespoke her a feverish gossip and an unbearable intriguante. She was dressed with the greatest care; had a dainty figure, and small feet. She clapped her hands in delight when Prince von Würtemberg withdrew his lips from the Princess's hand.