"We are expecting a messenger with his majesty's orders on the subject tomorrow or next day.
I have already informed you that, in his solicitude for her welfare, his majesty has been good enough to order that the young countess shall be placed in the care of the lady superior of the Convent of St.
Catherine." A few minutes later he left the room.

Not a word was spoken in the room until the sound of horse's hoofs without told that he had ridden off.
As the door closed the countess and Thekla had dropped their work and sat anxiously awaiting the continuance of the conversation.

The count was the first to speak.
"How mean you, Malcolm?
How think you it possible that Thekla can escape, and where could she go ?" "I like not to make the proposal," Malcolm said gravely, "nor under any other circumstances should I think of doing so; but in a desperate position desperate measures must be adopted.

It is impossible that in your present state you can escape hence, and the countess will not leave you; but what is absolutely urgent is that your daughter should be freed from the strait.

Save myself you have no friends here; and therefore, count, if she is to escape it must be through my agency and she must be committed wholly to my care.