"Oh, yes, I understand you, gracious lady," cried Marietta, whose face was suddenly suffused by a deep blush. "You do not need to say anything more. I ask but for one more word. Is Herr von Schonan--is Antonie--of the same opinion as yourself?"
"Chiefly so as to the matter of it, but, of course, they do not wish--with explanations--to----" A very graphic shrug finished the sentence.
The otherwise just and truth-loving woman did not even feel that she was plainly telling an untruth. So taken up with her idea was she that she was firmly convinced that the Chief Forester kept up the intercourse only through a spirit of spite, and Antonie through her good nature, although it must be uncomfortable to them, and she was firmly decided to bring this thing to an end.
CHAPTER XIX.
But something unexpected happened now. Willibald, who still stood upon the threshold, advanced into the room and exclaimed, half entreatingly, half reproachfully: "But, mamma!"
"Is it you, Willy? What do you want here?" demanded Frau von Eschenhagen, noticing him for the first time, and to whom the interruption was very unwelcome.
Willibald saw very well that his mother was very ungraciously inclined, and was accustomed always to retreat when he found her in that mood, but today, with unusual courage, he remained. He drew nearer and repeated, "But, mamma, I beg of you--Toni has never thought of Fraulein Volkmar's----"
"How dare you! do you wish to accuse me of an untruth?" the angered mother flamed. "What is it to you that I speak with Fraulein Volkmar? Your fiancée is not here--you see that--therefore leave us!"
The young lord grew darkly red at this tone, to which he was accustomed; he seemed to feel shame at the treatment because of the young girl, and looked as if he would offer some resistance, but at a threatening, "Well, did you not hear?" the old habit conquered. He turned hesitatingly and actually left the room, but the door remained slightly ajar.
Marietta looked after him with scornfully curled lips, then turned to her opponent.