My heart hath ta'en.
Was my heart won,
Or his, that day?
Methinks both hearts
Did meet half-way.
The chambermaid announced Walpurga. Irma stopped in the middle of her song.
"Welcome! What good thought brings you here?"
Walpurga hesitated, but, at last, preferred her request and handed the paper to the countess.
"Take courage," said Irma, consolingly.
She rang for a servant, to whom she said: "Tell my brother to come here at once." Then, addressing Walpurga, she continued: "I'll add a few words of my own. Be calm. I am glad to be able to grant your request. I've often wanted to ask you whether there was not some wish that you would like to have gratified. The king will surely grant the pardon."