Rudolf laughed, and I laughed too. He caught my hand again. I
think that he was anxious to infect me with his gayety and
confidence. But I could not answer to the appeal of his eyes.
There was a motive in him that found no place in me--a great
longing, the prospect or hope of whose sudden fulfilment dwarfed
danger and banished despair. He saw that I detected its presence
in him and perceived how it filled his mind.

"But the letter comes before all," said he. "I expected to die
without seeing her; I will die without seeing her, if I must, to
save the letter."

"I know you will," said I.

He pressed my hand again. As he turned away, James came with his
noiseless, quick step into the room.

"The carriage is at the door, sir," said he.

"Look after the count, James," said Rudolf. "Don't leave him till
he sends you away."

"Very well, sir."

I raised myself in bed.

"Here's luck," I cried, catching up the lemonade James had
brought me, and taking a gulp of it.

"Please God," said Rudolf, with a shrug.