One night, he mingled with a crowd that filled the rooms of one of
the most distinguished mansions in the city; for he accepted every
invitation, that he might lose no chance, however poor, of obtaining
some information that might expedite his discovery. Here he wandered
about, listening to every stray word that he could catch, in the hope of
a revelation. As he approached some ladies who were talking quietly in a
corner, one said to another: "Have you heard of the strange illness of the Princess von Hohenweiss?"
"Yes; she has been ill for more than a year now. It is very sad for so
fine a creature to have such a terrible malady. She was better for
some weeks lately, but within the last few days the same attacks have
returned, apparently accompanied with more suffering than ever. It is
altogether an inexplicable story."
"Is there a story connected with her illness?"
"I have only heard imperfect reports of it; but it is said that she gave
offence some eighteen months ago to an old woman who had held an
office of trust in the family, and who, after some incoherent threats,
disappeared. This peculiar affection followed soon after. But the
strangest part of the story is its association with the loss of an
antique mirror, which stood in her dressing-room, and of which she
constantly made use."
Here the speaker's voice sank to a whisper; and Cosmo, although his very
soul sat listening in his ears, could hear no more. He trembled too much
to dare to address the ladies, even if it had been advisable to expose
himself to their curiosity. The name of the Princess was well known to
him, but he had never seen her; except indeed it was she, which now he
hardly doubted, who had knelt before him on that dreadful night. Fearful
of attracting attention, for, from the weak state of his health, he
could not recover an appearance of calmness, he made his way to the open
air, and reached his lodgings; glad in this, that he at least knew where
she lived, although he never dreamed of approaching her openly, even
if he should be happy enough to free her from her hateful bondage. He
hoped, too, that as he had unexpectedly learned so much, the other and
far more important part might be revealed to him ere long.
***** "Have you seen Steinwald lately?"
"No, I have not seen him for some time. He is almost a match for me at
the rapier, and I suppose he thinks he needs no more lessons."