"It shall be done at such–and–such a time."
Thereupon, at the countess' suggestion, Élisabeth left the room.
Although Paul had not caught a single word of what was said, this brief scene was, for him, pregnant with the plainest and most terrifying significance. The countess, using her absolute power and taking advantage of the fact that Prince Conrad was asleep, was proposing a plan of escape to Élisabeth, doubtless a flight by motor–car, towards a spot in the neighboring district thought out in advance. Élisabeth was accepting this unhoped–for deliverance. And the flight would take place under the management and protection of Karl!
The trap was so well–laid and Élisabeth, driven mad with suffering, was rushing into it so confidently that the two accomplices, on being left alone, looked
