The delay of another second, and then it came, softly and tremblingly, from her lips: "Oscar!"
A gleam of transporting joy lighted up the man's dark features, and he made an impetuous movement, as though he would draw to his heart the young girl who stood before him, shy and trembling. But he controlled himself; only he seized and clasped firmly her quivering little hand.
"At last! And now that other, the second request."
"Herr Von Wildenrod----"
"The branch, Maia, which another gave to you, and which I, therefore, will not leave in your hands. Please give it to me?"
Maia resisted no longer. Powerless beneath the ban of those eyes and that voice, she held out to him the blooming bough.
"Thanks!" said Oscar softly. It was only a single word, but it had the sound of tenderness with difficulty restrained.
Now Miss Friedberg was seen at the open window of the house, which the two were now approaching, and, with clasped hands, she expressed her horror at seeing her pupil in such a plight.
"Maia, for heaven's sake tell me, have you actually been abroad in this weather? How you do look! Be quick, take off that wet mantle--you will catch your death of cold!"
"Yes, I should give her the same advice," said Oscar, smiling. "Quick, quick, go in the house!"