“Sir!” screamed the count, bounding forward in fury and with a sudden movement drawing his dagger from its sheath—­“sir, you assail my father in his grave, I will defend him!  You owe me satisfaction for this insult!  It is not the Elector who stands before me, but a man who has wounded my honor, and I demand satisfaction.  You dare not refuse it, or—­”

“Or you will complete your father’s work, will you?  Will hire murderers to do what you dare not attempt yourself?  Oh, you may very probably find a second Gabriel Nietzel, whom you may goad on to crime, profiting by his agony and distress of mind to change a thoughtless deceiver into a poisoner!  Do not stare at me in such amazement, as if you understood not my words!  You know Gabriel Nietzel well, and your dagger would not have fallen from your hand if your conscience had not struck it down!”

“I know nothing of Gabriel Nietzel!” cried the count, “I only know that you have called my father a murderer and—­”

“And, I did wrong in this, for certainly the murderous deed miscarried! I live!  And he was forced to die.  Do you know of what your father died?”

“Of grief, and the humiliations which you prepared for him!”

“No, he died of remorse.  A stroke, they say, put an end to his life.  Yes, it was conscience that smote him to the earth.  Gabriel Nietzel stood before him and reminded him of his deeds, demanding of him his wife, whom your father murdered because she saved my life!”

“Horrible!” muttered the count, with sunken head and downcast eyes.

“Yes, horrible!” repeated the Elector.  “Gabriel Nietzel was the avenging sword sent from on high for your father’s punishment.  He, the unhappy one, himself confessed his crime to me, and I have forgiven him.  I will forgive your father also, for he stands before a higher tribunal, and He who tries the heart, will reward him according to his deeds.  But I am your judge, and your deeds accuse you before me!  I could have you arrested and tried, and, believe me, I would do so, despite the imperial safe conduct, behind which you have ensconced yourself, but I honor in you the memory of my father, who loved yours, and would not have the world discover how shamefully the magnanimous heart of George William was deceived.  Regarding the property you claim from me, let the law decide; regarding the military title you aspire to, let the knights of the order decide; but regarding the accusation which you bring against my sister, and the offer you make me on her account, the Princess alone is the proper person to consult.  You shall speak with her this very hour, for I would not have your vain heart puffed up with the idea that the Princess loves you, and that it is only my tyranny which separates you from her.  No, you shall speak with the Princess herself, and she shall decide the question between you.  And that you may not suppose that I have influenced my sister, you shall speak to her before I communicate with her myself.”