Page:Zawis and Kunigunde (1895).djvu/229

 I have always received from the king generous marks of respect and confidence; and I cannot feel at liberty to attribute to his highness any motive but those of kingly honor. Though I am not impressed with much respect for some of his councilors; yet a Premysl has never disgraced his knightly word, however he may have yielded to the suddea impulse of harsh feeling. I cannot believe my king to be a conspirator.”

As Zawis prepared for his journey a gloom settled on his abode.

Men and women whispered, and looked aghast. An undefined alarm created a mysterious silence; as if the humble minds of the household, accustomed to observe the symptoms of deceit, and less moved by a lofty sense of chivalry in presence of suspicious movements, had interpreted significant signs and rumors with a sense more keen, and a judgment more natural than the highminded nobleman himself would or could have interpreted the same symptoms.

At the king’s court Zawis presented himself with cheerful confidence. As his errand required very brief sojourn, he requested an audience of the queen; and was immediately presented. The queen, surrounded by her confessor, Nicolas, her ladies, with Agaphia in attendance also, regarded Zawis with rigid apprehension and suspicion. To his obeisance she scarcely inclined even her eyes.

“According to his majesty’s command,” he said, “I have come to solicit the honor of the king’s presence at Fürstenberg, on the occasion of the baptism of my son. The lady Judith will feel honored and grati-