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With these words she went back to her carriage and drove off. The Countess Anna, meanwhile, had retired to her room. Exhausted by her own emotions, she sank into a chair, and clasping her hands convulsively, she stared, with distended eyes, upon the blank wall opposite. She was perfectly unconscious that, after a time, the door had opened and Matuschka stood before her.
On the carved oak table in the centre stood a vase of flowers; and, that her dear mistress might have something to remind her of home, Matuschka had procured a piano, to which the countess, when weary of her thoughts, might confide the hopes and fears that were surging in her storm-tossed heart. The piano was open, and a sheet of music lay on the desk.
"Yes, he comes," whispered she, while, with a gesture of extreme agitation she drew from her pocket a little case, whence she took a tiny flask, containing a transparent, crimson liquid. She held it for a few seconds to the light, and now she could hear the sound of his voice, as he spoke with Matuschka in the anteroom. The steps came nearer and nearer yet.
"No, lady," said Matuschka abashed; "the emperor told me that he had begged you to go to Vienna for business of state, and that he had a right to provide the expenses of our journey there. He said " The countess waved her hand impatiently. "Go back to the emperor," said she haughtily.
"Tell him that you dare not offer this purse to your lady, for you know that she would rather die than receive alms, even from an emperor." Matuschka cast down her eyes, and turned away. But she hesitated, and looked timidly at her mistress, whose great, glowing eyes were fixed upon her in unmistakable displeasure.
I have been a faithful daughter of my fatherland. I have given every thing there remains nothing but myself, and oh, how gladly would I give my life for Poland! But God has forsaken us; His eyes are turned away!" "Accuse not the Lord, dear lady," prayed Matuschka. "Put your trust in Him, and take courage." "It is true. I have no right to accuse my Maker," sighed the countess.
It was the state apartment of the inn, and was always reserved for distinguished guests. It had been richly furnished, but the teeth of time had nibbled many a rent in the old-fashioned furniture, the faded curtains, and the well-worn carpet. Matuschka, however, had given an air of some elegance to the place.
Matuschka fell upon her knees and kissed the hem of her mistress's robe. "Do not give way," sobbed she, "do not grieve now." The countess did not hear. She had thrown back her head and was gazing absently above. "Oh, yes, I am mindful of my duty," murmured she. "I have not forgotten the vow I made to my mother and sealed upon her dying lips with my last kiss!
"You really think that he will come, Matuschka?" asked the Countess Wielopolska of her waiting-woman, who, standing behind the chair, was fastening a string of pearls in her lady's dusky hair. "I know he will come, your ladyship," replied Matuschka.
With a commanding gesture, he motioned Matuschka to withdraw, and noiselessly closed the door. The countess continued to sing, although Joseph had advanced as far as the centre of the room. The thickness of the carpet made his footfall inaudible.
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