The hopelessness, the silence, the gloom, to say
nothing of threats, menaces, and constant and unremitting pressure,
are sufficient to break down the firmest resolution. The body
becomes enfeebled, the nerves shattered, and the power of resistance
enfeebled. No, my darling, brave as you are in your young strength,
you could not resist the influence which would be brought to bear
upon you."
"Then it is clear," Malcolm said cheerfully, "that we must get your
daughter out of the clutches of the emperor and the nuns."
"That is what I have thought over again and again as I have lain
here helpless, but I can see no means of doing so. We have no
friends in the city, and, could the child be got safely out of this
place, there is nowhere whither she could go."
"And it is for that I have sent for you," the countess said. "I knew
that if it were in any way possible you would contrive her escape
and aid her to carry it out."
"Assuredly I will, my dear countess," Malcolm said. "You only wanted
a friend outside, and now you have got one. I see no difficulty
about it."
At this moment the door suddenly opened; the waiting maid put in
her head and exclaimed, "The governor is alighting at the door."
Malcolm at once seated himself at the side table and began oiling
the wheels of the clock, while the countess and Thekla took up
their work again and seated themselves, as before, by the couch of
the count.
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