"Then you did have the duel? I knew it."
"This morning at 8 o'clock. But you need fear nothing more, mein Fraulein. You see everything has passed off well."
The young singer drew a deep breath, as if relieved of a mountain load.
"I thank you, Herr von Eschenhagen. No--no, do not refuse my thanks. You have endangered your life for my sake. I thank you a thousand times."
"There is no cause, Fraulein; I did it gladly," said Willibald, cordially. "But, since I have stood before the pistol now for your sake, you must permit me to bring you a little token of remembrance. You will not throw it at my feet again?"
He somewhat awkwardly--because of his left hand--drew out from his pocket a white tissue paper, and, opening it, disclosed a full-blown rose with two buds.
Marietta dropped her eyes in confusion. Mutely she accepted the flowers and fastened one of them at her throat. Then she stretched out her hand to the giver just as mutely.
He fully understood the apology.
"Of course you are accustomed to different floral offerings," he said, apologetically. "I hear a great deal of the homage people pay you."
The young girl smiled, but with a more pathetic than happy expression.