The duchess bowed and hastened to her parlor, where the courier was awaiting her arrival.
"Has anything happened to the countess? Is she ill? Have I lost my dear relative?"
"No, your royal highness. Your princely relatives are well, and here—here is—"
He made an attempt to place a letter in her hand, but reeled and fell, exhausted, at her feet.
"Pardon me, madame," said he, "I have been for three days and nights in the saddle. My strength has given way—I cannot rise. But read your letter, I implore you."
The duchess stooped, and took it from his nerveless hand; then, commending him to the care of Katharina, she broke the seal and began to read.
Its contents affected her so terribly, that her teeth chattered, her knees trembled, and, throwing herself upon the sofa, she covered her face with her hands and wept.
But she wept for a moment only.
"Katharina," cried she, to her old confidante, who was chafing the temples of the courier, "leave that poor youth for a moment, and fetch me a mantilla and hood. I must go to the king at once!"
"Your royal highness is in a neglige," remonstrated Katharina; "I will have to dress you."