The French ambassador had hardly time to make his escape, before the doors of the drawing-room were flung open, and the lackey announced, "His highness the Elector of Bavaria!"
CHAPTER VII.
THE LOVERS REUNITED.
Two weeks had elapsed since that unhappy meeting between Eugene and Laura—two weeks of expectation and hope frustrated. In vain had Eugene attempted to reach her with a message; in vain had he remained for hours before her windows; in vain had Antonio tried to penetrate into her presence. Day after day came the same sorrowful news: the marchioness was very ill, and no one was allowed to pass the threshold of the palace. Her husband watched day and night at her bedside, and, excepting Mademoiselle Victorine, no living creature was allowed to enter her room.
When, for the fourteenth time, Antonio returned unsuccessful from his mission, Eugene became so agitated and grew so pale that the bravo was touched to the heart, and, taking the prince's hand, covered it with kisses.
"Do not be so cast down, excellenza," said he, imploringly; "have courage, and hope for the best."
"Oh, Antonio!" murmured the prince, "she is dead!"
"No, excellenza, no! I swear to you that she lives, nor do I believe one word of this rumored illness."
"Why should you not believe it, my friend?"
"Because I know the marquis well; and this is merely a pretext for keeping his wife imprisoned."