In the morning I will go to her and show her this letter, that she may
have an opportunity to justify herself."
"You therefore consider her wholly innocent?" asked the prince, with a
sigh.
"Yes, perfectly innocent. Her firm demeanor, her asseverations, her
tears, have convinced me that it was unjust in us to believe the hateful
rumors that had spread concerning her. Let us therefore retire in peace
and quiet. No danger threatens us from Elizabeth!"
There was something convincing and tranquillizing in Anna's immovable
conviction; the prince felt his inability to oppose her, and was ashamed
of his feminine fears in the face of her masculine intrepidity.
With a sigh he took his leave and returned to his own room. At the door
he turned once again.
"Anna," said he, with solemnity, "you have decided upon our destiny,
and God grant that it may eventuate happily! But should it be otherwise,
should the monstrous and terrible break in upon you, then, at least,
remember this hour, in which I warned you, and confess that I am free
from all blame!"
Without awaiting an answer, with a drooping head and deep sigh, the
prince left the room.
Anna looked after him with a compassionate smile.
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