After a few moments, during which she heard her husband talking in an undertone with someone outside, he came in with his sword in his hand, and after seeming to look for something, he turned to Mariska:
"Have you the keys of your treasure-box?"
"Yes, they are in my secretaire."
The Prince took the keys and withdrew.
Mariska breathed again. "Then it is only some money trouble after all," she thought. "Thank God it is no worse. They have lost something in the camp, I suppose, or they are screwing some more tribute out of him."
In a short time the Prince again returned, and stood there for a time as if he couldn't make up his mind to speak. At last he said:
"Mariska, have you any money?"
"Yes, dear!" Mariska hastened to answer, "just ten thousand thalers. Do you want them?"
"No, no. But have them all ready to hand, and if you collected your jewels together at the same time you would do well."
"What for, my husband?"