"Where are Frau Dernburg and Fräulein Maia? They have stayed in the park, I hope, or are safe at home?" With this eager question Dr. Hagenbach entered the parlor, where, for the present, only Fräulein Friedberg was to be found.
"The ladies set out to visit the young gentleman's grave, that is all I know about it," answered she in alarm. "Has anything happened?"
"Not yet, but one cannot know what the next hour may bring forth. So the ladies have gone to the grave, have they? Well, it lies at the end of the park, in the opposite direction from the works, so that I trust there is nothing to fear. It would be well, though, for them to come back soon."
"I expect them every moment. Is it so threatening, then, over at the works?"
Hagenbach nodded and took a seat opposite the lady.
"Alas! the officers are doing their very best to get through with paying off and discharging the workmen in peace and quiet, but this does not suit Fallner and his crew, who want to have a row, whether or no. A portion of the men have announced their intention to resume work to-morrow morning, the others have responded by threats and curses: finally, here and there it has come to deeds of violence, and it seems as if an insurrection may break forth this very evening."
Leonie folded her hands with anxious mien. "Dear me! what is to be the end of all this? Herr Dernburg is as hard and inaccessible as a rock. You have no idea in what a mood he is. He will bid defiance to all--I am distressed to death."
"Why, there is no need of that! What am I here for?" said Hagenbach, with emphasis. "I should protect you in case of necessity, but such necessity is not likely to occur. This house and its inmates are unconditionally safe, even if there should be some excesses committed over there. In that case you can depend upon me."
"I know that," replied Leonie, warmly, holding out her hand to him, which he took, too, readily enough; he kept it likewise, and did not think of releasing it from his clasp.
"I called to see you this morning," he began again, "but was not admitted!"