Frau von Eschenhagen and her son also wished to remain to look at the Court in close proximity; and the Chief Forester, who wished to distinguish himself in the probably extensive hunts, held daily conferences with the Head Forester and his subordinates, and put the whole forestry in motion.
There was much bustle already about the castle. A sound of merry chattering and clear laughter came from Fraulein von Schonan's room. Marietta Volkmar had come to her friend for an hour, and as usual there was no end to the talking and laughing.
Toni sat near the window, and Willibald, who was acting as guard at his mother's command, stood beside her.
Frau von Eschenhagen so far had not had her way about the intercourse of the two girls. Her brother-in-law had remained obstinate, and even her future daughter-in-law, usually so compliant, rendered unexpected resistance when the subject was broached.
"I cannot, dear Aunt," Toni had answered. "Marietta is so sweet and good that I cannot offend her so bitterly."
Sweet and good! Frau Regine shrugged her shoulders over the inexperience of the young girl, whose eyes she did not wish to open, but she felt bound to interfere, and concluded to act diplomatically this time.
Willibald, accustomed to confess everything to his mother, had narrated to a fine point the encounter with the young singer. Frau von Eschenhagen had naturally been beside herself to think that the master of Burgsdorf should have carried a satchel behind the "theatre princess!" On the other hand, she heard the description of his horror upon learning who this lady really was, and his running away, with high pleasure, and thought it exceedingly praiseworthy that he objected to the rôle of guard over the girl. Of course he disliked every touch with such a person; but since his mother found it beneath her dignity to attend these meetings, he must protect his bride-elect.
He was given the curt command to never leave the young ladies alone, but to report explicitly how this Marietta actually behaved herself. After the first report, which would undoubtedly be atrocious, Frau Regine would impress upon her brother-in-law's conscience the frivolous association he had allowed his child; would call upon her son as witness, and request emphatically the breaking off of the friendship.
Willibald had finally consented. He had been present when Fraulein Volkmar made her first visit to Furstenstein. He had accompanied his fiancée when she returned the call at Waldhofen, and now stood at his post to-day.
Antonie and Marietta talked about the expected arrival of the Court, and the former, who had but little taste in dress, asked her friend's advice, which was gladly given.