Page:Zawis and Kunigunde (1895).djvu/195

 oslav, “the marriage contract between the Queen Kunigunde and the Lord Zawis. It is signed by the queen’s hand, and duly authenticated by noble lords not now present.”

“The signature,” observed Wenzel, with some embarrassment, “may be that of my honored mother. The document seems regular; it has been within the reach of noble lords for examination; and I cannot permit my respected parent’s word to be questioned.”

“The marriage contract as such,” observed Benes, “is good as between the parties. But as a state document, it should be accompanied with the authority duly registered.” On consultation, the council decided to exclude Jaroslav and place him under guard until final action could be taken. But he was permitted to make further search. His first efforts proving fruitless, he appealed to Agaphia, the other witness to the marriage contract then present in the palace.

“Never you yield, Nicolas,” exclaimed Agaphia. “It is a conspiracy. I served my adorable queen during all her sojourn here, during her first marriage, and her second. I transacted all her business in the purchase of robes, in the expenses of her household, and of her children; I distributed her bounty to those who now defame her. I have often clothed the children of spendthrift lords and ladies, of gamblers and profligates, who squandered their living, and decked themselves in finery from the queen’s wardrobe generously bestowed; and a more truthful, hon-