"Toni must accept it then as providential," said Willy, upon whom the mention of his betrothed made little impression. "One can lose his life anywhere, and one must not always expect the worst consequences----Where shall I carry you, Fraulein? To the Parkstrasse? I believe I heard that you wished to go there."
She shook her head quickly.
"No, no! I intended going to Professor Marani, who is teaching me a new rôle, but I cannot sing now--it is impossible. Let us look for a carriage; we may find one over there. I would like to go home."
Willibald turned his steps at once in the appointed direction, and they walked on silently to the edge of the park, where several cabs were standing.
The young girl stopped here and looked anxiously and entreatingly at her companion.
"Herr von Eschenhagen must it really be? Cannot the matter be smoothed over?"
"Hardly: I have given the Count a heavy blow and called him an impudent fellow, and shall stand to that, of course, if it should come to any explanation; but do not worry about that. The affair will probably be settled with a few scratches by tomorrow or the day after."
"And must I remain two or three days in this anxious uncertainty? Will you not at least send me word about it?"
Willibald looked into the dark, tearful eyes, and with that look there came into his eyes that strange sudden glow as on that day when he heard the voice of the "singvögelchen" for the first time.
"If everything passes off happily I shall come myself and bring you word," he replied. "May I?"