At this all uttered an “Ah!” which was more like a shriek than an exclamation. Cries of astonishment, of disillusionment, of indignation, of dismay. Only the cry of joy was lacking, for Franka had sprung to her feet, mute with terror, and then instantly sank back again. She would have preferred to run away—to her father, that she might bring to him this astounding piece of news!—to her grandfather that she might thank him.... But they were both dead. Here among the living there was no one who would look on her with anything but envy. Then before her mind arose the thought of her anonymous correspondent whose tender word had flown to her: “I am fond of you”.... If only he were by her side...!
A moment passed before the general stupefaction had subsided, and Dr. Fixstern could proceed. Now followed various bequests. All the relatives, even the most distant, were remembered with larger or smaller legacies; for the functionaries and servants were bequests either in money or in pensions; various charitable institutions were also remembered. Mr. Chlodwig Helmer, “whose character I have learned to value very highly,” received a valuable ring; Dr. Fixstern as the executor received a handsome legacy. After the bequests were paid, the property descending to the residuary legatee would be diminished by not far from a million crowns. After he had finished reading the document, Dr. Fixstern arose and went to Franka, who was still sitting near the entrance to the salon, and made a low bow:—
“Miss Garlett, receive my congratulations: you are the mistress of Sielenburg.”
The others came also and congratulated her with bitter-sweet looks. Franka was still, as it were, stunned.
“It seems to me,” she said, “as if I ought to ask the forgiveness of you all”; and the tension of her nerves gave way in a spasmodic fit of weeping.
Aunt Albertine began to busy herself tenderly with her:—
“Come, come; I will conduct you to your room ... you must recover from the shock ...”
The way from the green salon to Franka’s chamber was through a suite of salons down the long corridors, up the monumental staircase; and this way, which she had so often taken, now seemed to her wholly new—it was all her own property, her realm.... Under Miss Albertine’s affectionate guidance she reached her room, but there she asked to be left alone for a while—she desired to rest, she felt so unstrung....
“Yes, my darling, now get a good rest. I will go.” Franka locked the door as soon as Miss Albertine had left the room. No one must disturb her—she wanted to be alone with her great destiny. She drew deep audible sighs just as one does after climbing a mountain-peak. Indeed, it was a peak to which she had been elevated—a dizzy peak. What possibilities lay open before her—what duties must she fulfill! Like a flash of lightning the thought went through her mind: “I must accomplish something!”
What?