"Here they both are!" said the old man to the child. "Look, Erard, and see whether the chevalier hates thy father. See, if what Ethbert told me was not true!
"This dear child," added he, "had some fears for his father: for he knows all, Theobald."
Theobald, (with tenderness.) Come, then, Erard, and give me your hand. Come, my child, and also pardon me. O, how I need pardon from every heart here! Say, Erard, will you not forgive me?
Erard, (giving his hand to the chevalier.) I love you much, since my father loves you.
"Well, my son!" said Gottfried. "Go now to Ethbert, and tell him to be in readiness to accompany me."
Theobald. Shall you leave us again? Will it be for many hours?
Gottfried. It is on your behalf, chevalier, that I must now act. The express which we expected, did not come, and I feared that my message had not reached your dear Hildegarde. I, therefore, went myself to tell her of your welfare.
Theobald. Is it possible! O, tell me if all is well with her!
Gottfried. Thanks to God, Hildegarde and her precious children are well—very well. She has been very anxious until last night. My message did not reach her until then; and her express, who did not start until day-break, was detained on the way. I met him, and bring you more than he would have said himself.
Theobald. She knows, then, that her husband is---- with the Count of Winkelthal?