"Where are you?" Magelone's voice called from a side-path at this moment.
"Here!" called Johanna, who hardly knew whether to be glad or sorry for the interruption.
"Oh, dear! I had so much to say," whispered Otto, as he took Johanna's hand and pressed it to his lips. "One word more while we are alone,—would you like to have me stay here a few days?"
"Most certainly. Did I not tell you so?" Johanna replied, vainly endeavouring to withdraw her hand from his.
"And your letter was not the expression of your displeasure with me?" he went on, still in a whisper, as he leaned towards her; but, before she could answer, Magelone's light gown appeared from among the trees.
"Beg pardon if I intrude," she said, in a tone which was meant to be teasing, but which only succeeded in sounding cross.
"Not at all," Otto replied, divining her jealous emotion. "Come take part in our consultation; we were discussing the question of my either remaining here for a few days or returning directly to my garrison."
Magelone joined them. "Return directly? 'Nonsense!' as grandpapa would say, and as I say too. It is your duty, my noble knight, to stay here and entertain us and coax Aunt Thekla out of her melancholy mood. Not in vain have you called me your sovereign. I command,—you obey. Come now to Aunt Thekla on the veranda; it is intolerably sultry here under the trees."
So saying, she put her hand within Otto's arm and drew him away.
"Are you coming, Johanna?" he said, holding out his hand to her.