The queen arose and, placing her hand on her husband's head, said:
"Forgive me, Kurt, as I am forgiven!"
He seized the proffered hand, and, hand in hand, they stood there for a long while, gazing at Irma, on whose face there rested a gentle smile, even in death. It seemed as if they could not turn away from the sight. At last, the queen removed her white shawl and spread it over Irma.
They left the hut. The sun was setting in purple glory, and all about them was hushed in silence.
Gunther approached the queen, gave her the journal wrapped in the bandage, and said: "This is Irma's bequest to Your Majesty."
The queen went up to Walpurga, silently offered her hand, and kissed the child that she was carrying in her arms.
The king offered his hand to Hansei and said: "I thank you; I shall see you again."
The little pitchman went up to the king and queen and said:
"May God reward you for having come to her. She deserved it."
The king and queen walked away in the direction of the forest. Their retinue kept in the background.