"The idea!" replied Walpurga.
The queen did not seem to know that her answer meant: "That's a matter of course," and she therefore asked: "Do you understand me?"
"Yes, indeed; I understand German," replied Walpurga. "But Your Majesty shouldn't speak so much. God willing, we'll be together in happiness for many days to come. We'll arrange everything when we can look into each other's eyes in broad daylight, and I'll do all I can to please you and the child. I've got over my homesickness and now I must do my duty. I'll be a good nurse to your child; don't let that worry you. And now, good-night! Sleep well, and let nothing trouble you. And now let me see our child."
"Breath of my breath, it lies here, sleeping by my side. How infinite is God's grace, how marvelous are his works!"
Walpurga felt that some one was pulling at her dress, and hastily said:
"Good-night, dear queen. Put all idle thoughts away from you. This is no time to busy yourself thinking. We'll have enough to think of when the time comes. Good-night!"
"No, remain here! You must stay!" begged the queen.
"I must beg Your Majesty--" hurriedly interposed Doctor Gunther.
"Do leave her with me a little while," begged the queen, in childlike tones. "I am sure it will do me no harm to talk with her. When she drew near the bed, and I heard her voice, I felt as if a breath of Alpine air, in all its dewy freshness, was being wafted toward me. Even now I feel as if lying on a high mountain, from which I can look down into the beautiful world."
"Your Majesty, such excitement may prove quite injurious."