Then, turning toward Kaunitz, she held out her hand.
"Go, prince," said she, "and be assured that what we have spoken to each other to-day shall remain sacred between us."
The prince bowed, and left he room.
The empress was alone. She went to and fro, while her disturbed countenance betrayed the violent struggle that was raging in her noble, honest heart.
"I know what they want," murmured she. "Joseph thirsts for glory and conquest, and Kautnitz upholds him. They want their share of the booty. And they will overrule my sympathy, and prove to me that I am bound to inaction. Poland will be dismembered, and I shall bear my portion of the crime. I shudder at the deed, and yet I cannot raise my hand without shedding my people's blood. I must take counsel of Heaven!"
She rang, and commanded the presence of her confessor.
"Perhaps he will throw some light upon this darkness, and the just God will do the rest!"
CHAPTER LXX.
GOSSIP.
The Countess Wielopolska was alone in her room. She walked to and fro; sometimes stopping before a large pier-glass to survey her own person, sometimes hastening to the window, at the sound of a carriage passing by; then retiring disappointed as the vehicle went on.