The boy gazed long at it; at last he laid his head on his hands, and—blessed power of youth!—he fell asleep.
CHAPTER V.
SECRET, SILENT LOVE.
The parents entered Manna's cell. Manna calmly met them, and said,—
"Welcome, and may God's blessing be with you!" She extended her hand to her father; her hand thrilled as she felt the ring on her father's thumb. Then she threw herself upon her mother's breast and kissed her.
"Forgive me," she cried, "forgive me! Do not think me heartless; I must do so—no, I will to do so. I thank you, that you have granted my request."
"Yes, indeed, we put no constraint upon you," said the mother; and Sonnenkamp, who had not yet assented, was obliged to comply with her wishes.
Manna's countenance became suddenly lighted up; she said that she was glad to see her parents looking so well, and that she prayed for them daily, and that heaven would hearken to her prayer. Manna had a tone of voice in which one seemed to feel the repressed tears; this voice appeared to affect Sonnenkamp, so that he placed his hand upon his heart, and his posture and look were as if he were making a silent vow.
When Manna asked after Roland, he said, with the mien of one speaking to a person who has been ill and is just convalescent, that Roland was in the park, and Manna must go with them, and greet the ladies and Herr von Pranken.
When her father mentioned this name, a slight shudder went over Manna, but she said with immediate composure,—