Meanwhile they had reached the spot where their horses were tied. Cecilia and Eric mounted. The former nodded slightly an adieu, then applied her switch sharply to her beautiful roan, The fiery animal reared, and immediately set off at a gallop, so that the other could hardly follow him.
They were still visible for about five minutes, on the forest-road that led to Radefeld. Like some apparition flew the slender girlish figure on the back of her racing steed, with her habit fluttering and the plumes in her hat streaming behind. Once more she was seen at the bend, then the forest closed behind her.
Egbert was still standing motionless in his place, looking with fixed and burning eyes upon that road through the woods. His lips were firmly compressed, and on his features rested a singular expression, as though of stifled pain or wrath: finally, he straightened himself up and turned to go.
Then he perceived something at his feet, soft and white, as though some blossom had blown there.
The foot of the young man seemed suddenly to be rooted to the ground, then he slowly stooped and picked it up.
It was a fine lace handkerchief, delicately perfumed, that appealed to Egbert's senses in a bewitchingly flattering manner. Involuntarily his fingers clutched the airy fabric tighter and tighter.
"Herr Runeck!" said a voice behind him.
Runeck started and turned around. It was old Mertens.
"The men would like to know if they are to go on with the blasting, it is all ready."
"Certainly, I am coming directly.--Mertens, you are going to Odensburg this evening, I suppose?"