"Then, in mercy, let me hear the rest," cried Eugene, his eyes flashing with eagerness.
"Be it so, then. In spite of bolts, bars, and her miserable husband's spies, the marchioness has managed to escape."
"Escape!" exclaimed Eugene, starting from his couch, and standing upright upon the floor. In a moment the nun was behind him, ready to support him in case of need; but he walked hurriedly to the window, threw it wide open, and inhaled the fresh morning air. For a while, not a word was spoken. The prince looked upward at the blue and silver clouds that were floating silently by; his large, dark eyes wandered lovingly over the beautiful landscape that lay below, and then, bowing his head, he lifted his heart to heaven, and thanked God.
"Doctor," said he, at last, "whither fled the marchioness?"
"No one knows, your highness. But you must excuse me if I take my leave. I must attend a consultation of—"
"Doctor," cried the prince, grasping him by the arm, "you cannot go:
I must know all that you have to tell."
The doctor smiled. "Upon my word, your highness speaks as if you were ordering a charge against the Turks. But I cannot obey: Sister Angelica has heard the story from beginning to end, and she will relate the rest of it. Adieu."
So saying, Doctor Franzi left the room.
"Oh, dear sister," cried Eugene, "can you tell me whether she fell into his hands again?"
"She did not," replied the nun, in a low, tremulous voice; "but the shock of her disappearance was so terrible in its effects upon the marquis, that he is now a maniac in the very apartments wherein he had confined his wretched wife."