"Where is Willibald?" demanded Regine in a dangerous tone, by way of answer. "Is he at Furstenstein?"
"Of course, where else should he be? I believe he has announced his arrival here to you."
"Let him be called--immediately."
"But what is the matter?" asked Schonan, noticing now for the first time his sister-in-law's excitement. "Is there a fire at Burgsdorf, or what? I cannot call Willy to you this moment, for he is at Waldhofen----"
"Probably at Dr. Volkmar's--and she is probably there, too."
"Who is 'she'? Toni has, of course, gone with him. They visit that poor little thing daily--Marietta--who was quite despairing at first. I must speak a word with you on this point, Regine. How could you offend the dear girl so deeply, and in my house besides? I only heard of it afterward, or----"
A loud, angry laugh interrupted him. Frau von Eschenhagen had thrown hat and cloak upon a chair and now drew close to her brother-in-law.
"Are you to reproach me because I tried to avert the evil which you have brought upon yourself? Of course you have always been blind and would never listen to my warnings--now it is too late."
"I believe you are not in your right mind, Regine," said the Forester, who really did not know what to think of it all. "Will you be so kind as to tell me what you mean?"
Regine drew forth a newspaper and handed it to him, pointing with her finger to a paragraph.