Meanwhile, Baum returned to the palace. He bit his lips with vexation and thought to himself: What a simple, stupid creature such a peasant woman is. And she is beautiful; I can wait; I know the long road; she shall be tamed yet.
For many days, Walpurga would pass Baum without looking up, and he, too, seemed shy; but one day, when she was sitting on the bench, he quickly said while passing:
"You needn't be angry at me; I didn't know I'd offended you and, if I have, I ask your pardon."
Walpurga looked up as if relieved. Baum nodded to her and hurried away.
CHAPTER XVI.
The king had returned from the baths. He was received with great ceremony, but he and the queen soon withdrew from the company and repaired to the crown prince's apartments. The parents, clasping hands, stood by the cradle of the sleeping child. Their glances rested upon each other and then upon the prince.
"Can there be a higher joy than thus to behold the babe whose life belongs to and is a part of our own?" softly whispered the queen.
The king embraced her.
The child awoke; his cheeks were glowing, his eyes were bright.
In the mean while, Walpurga had been sitting in a corner, weeping silently; but now she was obliged to go to the child. The king left; the queen remained with her.