Both were silent a long time, as if exhausted by some great exertion.
"How is our--the child? Have you any news from Josepha?" the countess asked at last.
"Yes, but unfortunately nothing good."
"As usual!" she answered, hastily; "it is her principle to make us anxious. Such people take advantage of every opportunity to let us feel their power. I know that."
"I do not think so. I must defend my cousin. She was always honest, though blunt and impulsive," answered Freyer. "I fear she is writing the truth, and the boy is really worse."
"Go there then, if you are anxious, and send me word how you find him."
"I will not travel at your expense--except in your service, and my own means are not enough," replied Freyer in a cold, stern tone.
"Very well, this is in my service. So--obey and go at my expense!"
Freyer gazed at her long and earnestly. "As your steward?" he asked in a peculiar tone.
"I should like to have a truthful report--not a biassed one, as is Josepha's custom," she replied evasively. "There is nothing to be done on the estates now--I beg the 'steward' to represent my interests in this matter. If you find the child really worse, I will get a leave of absence and go to him."