"
"She knows, and yet she loves me," repeated the queen. I loved to
see that she seemed to find comfort in Helga's love. It is women
to whom women turn, and women whom women fear.
"But Helga writes no letters," said the queen.
"Why, no," said I, and I smiled a grim smile. Well, Rudolf
Rassendyll had never wooed my wife.
She rose, saying: "Come, let us go to the palace."
As she rose, Rischenheim made a quick impulsive step towards her.
"Well, my lord," said she, turning towards him, "will you also go
with me?"
"Lieutenant von Bernenstein will take care--" I began. But I
stopped. The slightest gesture of her hand silenced me.
"Will you go with me?" she asked Rischenheim again.
"Madam," he stammered, "Madam--"
She waited. I waited also, although I had no great patience with
him. Suddenly he fell on his knee, but he did not venture to take
her hand. Of her own accord she came and stretched it out to him,
saying sadly: "Ah, that by forgiving I could win forgiveness!"
Rischenheim caught at her hand and kissed it.
"It was not I," I heard him mutter. "Rupert set me on, and I
couldn't stand out against him."
"Will you go with me to the palace?" she asked, drawing her hand
away, but smiling.
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