And she, clutching at
the only chance that her act left, was content to have it so. It
may be that for an instant her weary, tortured brain found sweet
rest in the dim dream that so it was, for she let her head lie
there on his breast and her eyes closed, her face looking very
peaceful, and a soft little sigh escaping in pleasure from her
lips.
But every moment bore its peril and exacted its effort. Rudolf
led the queen to a couch, and then briefly charged the servants
not to speak of his presence for a few hours. As they had no
doubt perceived, said he, from the queen's agitation, important
business was on foot; it demanded his presence in Strelsau, but
required also that his presence should not be known. A short time
would free them from the obligation which he now asked of their
loyalty. When they had withdrawn, bowing obedience, he turned to
Helsing, pressed his hand warmly, reiterated his request for
silence, and said that he would summon the chancellor to his
presence again later in the day, either where he was or at the
palace. Then he bade all withdraw and leave him alone for a
little with the queen. He was obeyed; but Helsing had hardly left
the house when Rudolf called Bernenstein back, and with him my
wife.
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