Did you think, my
lord, that the sin had no punishment, that you took it in hand to
add shame to my suffering? Was Heaven so kind that men must
temper its indulgence by their severity? Yet I know that because
I was wrong, you, being wrong, might seem to yourself not wrong,
and in aiding your kinsman might plead that you served the king's
honor. Thus, my lord, I was the cause in you of a deed that your
heart could not welcome nor your honor praise. I thank God that
you have come to no more hurt by it."
Rischenheim began to mutter in a low thick voice, his eyes still
cast down: "Rupert persuaded me. He said the king would be very
grateful, and--would give me--" His voice died away, and he sat
silent again, twisting his hands.
"I know--I know," she said. "But you wouldn't have listened to
such persuasions if my fault hadn't blinded your eyes."
She turned suddenly to me, who had been standing all the while
aloof, and stretched out her hands towards me, her eyes filled
with tears.
"Yet," said she, "your wife knows, and still loves me, Fritz."
"She should be no wife of mine, if she didn't," I cried. "For I
and all of mine ask no better than to die for your Majesty.
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