The princess slipped again softly and unseen into her apartments, and thence into the royal chapel; the earl descended again the spiral staircase which led to the secret door of the garden.
Unobserved and unseen he returned to his palace; even his valet, who slept in the anteroom, did not see him, as the earl crept past him lightly on his toes, and betook himself to his sleeping-room.
But no sleep came to his eyes that night, and his soul was restless and full of fierce torment.

He was angry with himself, and accused himself of treachery and perfidy; and then again, full of proud haughtiness, he still tried to excuse himself and to silence his conscience, which was sitting in judgment on him.
"I love her--her only!" said he to himself.

"Catharine possesses my heart, my soul; I am ready to devote my whole life to her.

Yes, I love her! I have this day so sworn to her; and she is mine for all eternity!" "And Elizabeth ?" asked his conscience.

"Have you not sworn truth and love to her also ?" "No!" said he.