"Thomas is waiting for you at the gate; make haste and go to him."
"You see, dear princess, how good she is. She deserves to be happy."
"Walpurga," said Mademoiselle Kramer, "you might give the woman the money for your husband."
"I'll take it for you."
"No, I'll send it. I must wait awhile," said Walpurga hesitating. She could not well explain that she distrusted both Zenza and her son.
"Here," said Irma, handing Zenza the little golden heart which she wore; "take this to Walpurga's child, from me." Then, removing her silk kerchief, she added, "give her this, too."
"Oh, what a lovely neck!" exclaimed Zenza.
Walpurga again reminded her that she had better return to her son.
Irma felt happy to think that she had brought about the pardon. Walpurga was afraid to tell them Zenza was a stranger to her and that she almost hated her; or that Red Thomas was one of the worst men in their neighborhood. She consoled herself with the thought that all would yet be well. Bad men can grow better, or else all talk of repentance would be mere lies and deceit.
In the mean while, Zenza, holding the pardon on high, had hurried out of the palace.