Suddenly she exclaimed in a joyful voice: “Yes, I have found it at last! That is the path leading to the goal; that is the path I have to pursue.” With rapid steps she hastened back to the looking-glass. “Marianne Meier,” she cried aloud?—“Marianne Meier, listen to what I am going to tell you. The Princess von Eibenberg has discovered a remedy to dispel her weariness and dull repose—a remedy that will immortalize her name. Good-night, Marianne Meier, now you may go to sleep, for the Princess von Eibenberg will take care of herself!”
CHAPTER LI. JUDITH.
Marianne was awakened after a short and calm slumber by the low sound of stealthy steps approaching her couch. She opened her eyes hastily, and beheld her mistress of ceremonies, who stood at her bedside, holding in her hand a golden salver with a letter on it.
“What, Camilla,” she asked, in terror, “you have not yet dispatched the letter which I gave you last night? Did I not instruct you to have it delivered by the footman early in the morning?”
“Yes, your highness, and I have faithfully carried out your orders.”
“Well, and this letter?”
“Is the major’s reply. Your highness ordered me to awaken you as soon as the footman would bring the answer.”
Marianne hastily seized the letter and broke the seal.