What was that? Did her ears deceive her? The hoof-beats of a horse, rushing up the mountain with the speed of the wind. She hurried to the window. The clock was just striking two. Yes! A figure like the wild huntsman was flitting like a shadow through the night toward the castle. Now he turned the last curve and reached the height and the countess saw distinctly that he was her cornier. What news was he bringing--what had happened--at so late an hour?
Was the evil dream not yet over?
What new blow was about to strike her?
"What you desired--nothing else!" said the demon of her life.
The courier checked his foaming horse before the terrace. The countess tried to hurry toward him, but could not leave the spot. She clung shuddering to the cross-bars of the window, which cast its long black shadow far outside.
Freyer opened the door; Madeleine heard the horseman ask: "Is the Countess here?"
"Yes!" replied Freyer.
"I have a telegram which must be signed, the answer is prepaid."
Freyer tore off the envelope. "Take the horse round to the stable, I will attend to everything."
He entered and approached the door, through which the child had come to his mother's aid the last time she was there, to protect her from Josepha. The countess fancied that the little head must be again thrust in! But it was only Freyer with the despatch. The countess mechanically signed her name to the receipt as if she feared she could not do so after having read the message. Then, with a trembling hand, she opened the telegram, which contained only the words: