"I was not mistaken," thought Seyton, "ambition still reigns paramount in her heart, and will carry her in safety through this trial. Well, sister," said he, aloud, "what did I tell you?"
"You were right," replied she, with a bitter smile, as she penetrated the workings of her brother"s thoughts, "ambition has again stifled the voice of maternal tenderness within me!"
"You will live long and happily to cherish and delight in your daughter."
"Doubtless I shall, brother. See how calm I am!"
"Ah, but is your tranquillity real or a.s.sumed?"
"Feeble and exhausted, can you imagine it possible for me to feign?"
"You can now understand the difficulty I felt in breaking this news to you?"
"Nay, I marvel at it, knowing as you did the extent of my ambition.
Where is the prince?"
"He is here."
"I would fain see and speak with him before the ceremony." Then, with affected indifference, she added, "And my daughter is also here, as a matter of course?"
"She is not here at present; you will see her by and by."
"True, there is no hurry; but send for the prince, I entreat of you."
"Sister, I know not why, but your manner alarms me, and there is a strangeness in your very looks as well as words!"
And Seyton spoke truly. The very absence of all emotion in Sarah inspired him with a vague and indefinable uneasiness; he even fancied he saw her eyes filled with tears she hastily repressed. But unable to account for his own suspicions, he at once quitted the chamber.
"Now, then," said Sarah, "if I may but see and embrace my daughter, I shall be satisfied. I fear there will be considerable difficulty in obtaining that happiness; Rodolph will refuse me, as a punishment for the past. But I must and will accomplish my longing desire! Oh, yes! I cannot--will not be denied! But the prince comes!"
Rodolph entered, and carefully closed the door after him. Addressing Sarah in a cold, constrained manner, he said:
"I presume your brother has told you all?"
"He has!"
"And your ambition is satisfied."
"Quite--quite satisfied?"
"Every needful preparation for our marriage has been made; the minister and attesting witnesses are in the next room."
"I know it."
"They may enter, may they not, madame?"
"One word, my lord. I wish to see my daughter."
"That is impossible!"
"I repeat, my lord, that I earnestly desire to see my child."
"She is but just recovering from a severe illness, and she has undergone one violent shock to-day; the interview you ask might be fatal to her."
"Nay, my lord, she may be permitted to embrace her mother without danger to herself."
"Why should she run the risk? You are now a sovereign princess!"
"Not yet, my lord; nor do I intend to be until I have embraced my daughter!"
Rodolph gazed on the countess with unfeigned astonishment.
"Is it possible," cried he, "that you can bring yourself to defer the gratification of your pride and ambition?"
"Till I have indulged the greater gratification of a mother"s feelings.
Does that surprise you, my lord?"
"It does indeed!"
"And shall I see my daughter?"
"I repeat--"
"Have a care, my lord,--the moments are precious,--mine are possibly numbered! As my brother said, the present trial may kill or cure me. I am now struggling, with all my power, with all the energy I possess, against the exhaustion occasioned by the discovery just made to me. I demand to see my daughter, or otherwise I refuse the hand you offer me, and, if I die before the performance of the marriage ceremony, her birth can never be legitimised!"
"But Fleur-de-Marie is not here; I must send for her."
"Then do so instantly, and I consent to everything you may propose; and as, I repeat, my minutes are probably numbered, the marriage can take place while they are conducting my child hither."
"Although "tis a matter of surprise to hear such sentiments from you, yet they are too praiseworthy to be treated with indifference. You shall see Fleur-de-Marie; I will write to her to come directly."
"Write there--on that desk--where I received my death-blow!"
While Rodolph hastily penned a few lines, the countess wiped from her brows the cold damps that had gathered there, while her hitherto calm and unmovable features were contracted by a sudden spasmodic agony, which had increased in violence from having been so long concealed. The letter finished, Rodolph arose and said to the countess:
"I will despatch this letter by one of my aides-de-camp; she will be here in half an hour from the time my messenger departs. Shall I, upon my return to you, bring the clergyman and persons chosen to witness our marriage, that we may at once proceed?"
"You may,--but no, let me beg of you to ring the bell; do not leave me by myself; let Sir Walter despatch the letter, and then return with the clergyman."
Rodolph rang; one of Sarah"s attendants answered the summons.
"Request my brother to send Sir Walter Murphy here," said the countess, in a faint voice. The woman went to perform her mistress"s bidding.
"This marriage is a melancholy affair, Rodolph," said the countess, bitterly, "I mean as far as I am concerned; to you it will be productive of happiness." The prince started at the idea. "Nay, be not astonished at my prophesying happiness to you from such a union; but I shall not live to mar your joys."
At this moment Murphy entered.
"My good friend," said the prince, "send this letter off to my daughter.
Colonel ---- will be the bearer of it, and he can bring her back in my carriage; then desire the minister and all concerned in witnessing the marriage ceremony to a.s.semble in the adjoining room."