Rothfuss was ploughing the potato field. He was walking with his back towards us.
Annette called to him. He came out into the road and inquired what was the matter.
"My husband is dead. I am going to bring him and lay him in the earth which you are now ploughing," said Annette in a firm voice.
Rothfuss extended his hand to her. He seemed unable to utter a word, and was excitedly swinging his cap about with his left hand.
At last, in a loud voice, and stopping after every word, he exclaimed:
"I would--rather--not--be--King--or Emperor--than have--that--rest--on me."
He returned to the field and continued his work.
When we reached the valley, Annette said, "I shall not say 'good by;' I shall need all my strength for the other sad affair."
She quickly stepped into the carriage; her brother, Rontheim, and the daughter of the latter following her.
The carriage rolled away.