Now they stood before the altar. The emperor gave the bride into the hands of the bridegroom, and stepped aside to take his place.
The ceremony over, the bishop pronounced the blessing, and all present knelt to receive it. Joseph and Therese were side by side. With a sigh they raised their eyes to heaven, each praying for the other. The emperor's eyes were dim with tears, but he dashed them away, and, rising from his knees, prepared to congratulate the bride.
A peal of thunder drowned the few words which he murmured. But her heart caught the meaning, and she whispered in return
"Yes, in heaven."
Then he dropped her hand, and addressed himself to the bridegroom.
"Count Kinsky," said he, authoritatively, "I wish to speak with you in private."
The count, with a scowl, followed his sovereign to the nave of the chapel, where, at a distance from the bridal party, they were in no danger of being overheard.
"Count," said the emperor, gravely, "you love the Countess Therese?"
Count Kinsky was silent for a while. Then, suddenly, he replied in sharp, cutting accents
"I have loved her."