"Ah!" said he, "you are implacable. But you believe me, do you not?"
The count inclined his head.
"I dare not doubt my sovereign's word."
"Then you will love Therese as she deserves to be loved?"
"Love is not to be controlled—not even by an emperor. My love and hate are not to be drawn off and on like a glove!"
"Hate!" cried the emperor, shocked. "Great God! it cannot be possible that you hate the woman whom you have voluntarily chosen, and whom even now, before yonder altar, you have sworn to love. Why, then, did you marry her?"
"Sire, you commanded me to do so just one week ago, and, as a loyal subject, I was compelled to obey. You gave me no alternative, and I married her."
"She will make you happy," replied Joseph, in a faltering voice. "I beseech of you, be gentle with her. Her heart is not at ease, and she needs all your tenderness to restore her to happiness."
Count Kinsky bowed frigidly.
"Will your majesty allow me to ask a favor of you?" said he.