Then and there the door opened, and the betrayed bride-elect entered into this wild excitement--calm and serene as usual, and saying in the most innocent way: "I have just heard of your arrival, dear aunt; you are very welcome."
She received no answer, but from both sides instead sounded the question: "Where is Willibald?"
"He will be here directly; he has gone to the castle gardener for a few moments, as he did not know of his mother's arrival."
"To the gardener! Perhaps to get roses as before," burst forth Frau von Eschenhagen; but the Chief Forester opened his arms and cried in pathetic tones:
"My child! my poor betrayed child! Come to me come into your father's arms."
He attempted to draw his daughter to his heart, but Regine came upon the other side and also attempted to draw her to her breast, crying out in just as pathetic tones: "Compose yourself, Toni. An awful blow confronts you, but you must bear it. You must show your betrothed that he and his betrayal are an abomination to your deepest soul."
This stormy sympathy was rather startling, but fortunately Antonie had strong nerves. So she freed herself from the double embrace, stepped back, and said with calm decision: "I do not think it so. I begin only now to really like Willy."
"So much the worse," said Schonan. "Poor child, you do not know yet; you have no idea of anything! Your betrothed has had a duel for another's sake."
"I know that, papa."
"For Marietta's sake," explained Frau von Eschenhagen.