Increasingly the king and queen exhibited impatience of his authority; but the presence of Kunigunde, still the natural guardian of her son, a youth of sixteen,and retaining much of his deference and attachment, supported the presence, and with the presence the undisputed authority of her husband. A cabal in the palace gradually coalesced into a distinct party, at first secretly, and soon openly hostile to Zawis.
Kunigunde’s attendants were suddenly changed; and Teresa, with quiet mystery, but incessant vigilance, directed the purchase and distribution of all provision for the palace.
“I experience a depressing change,” said the dowager queen to her husband, “since that woman was thrust upon me. I feel a burning, a thirst, and a lassitude that causes me apprehension.”
“I would we enjoyed the services of my former Hebrew friend,” answered Zawis, “but I fear he is at too great a distance. I will, however, dispatch a messenger. Perhaps he may arrive in time.”
Kunigunde languished, and ere many days drooped towards death. “Dear Zawis,” she said, “I have observed a change in my son. He is now wholly under the control of the queen. Even the selection of my own viands has been denied to me. I charge you to beware also; or we may both be the victims of ill practice. We must soon be separated, my dear lord; I feel it. To your wisdom I commend our son. To you I entrust for his benefit all the inconsiderable fortune appertaining to me. Farewell,
