But Walpurga started with fright, when the king suddenly entered. Courteously bowing to Irma, he said:
"A letter has just come for you; I thought I would bring it myself."
Irma looked down, while she took the letter.
"Pray open it," said the king while he motioned Walpurga to follow him into the prince's room. When he came out again, the king said:
"Did the letter bring you good news?"
Irma looked at him with surprise, and at last said: "It was from my dearest friend."
The king nodded, as if pleased that the letter, which had been written by himself, should receive such an answer. He added, in a careless tone:
"Dear Countess, you will, of course, feel sad at parting from Walpurga, but her situation must necessarily end with time. Think of some other position for her, so that you may keep her near you."
Walpurga drew a long breath. "Give me the farm," lay on her lips, but she could not utter the words. She felt as if her tongue clave to the roof of her mouth.
The king soon took his leave. He always came and went so quickly.