"I know it, dear aunt."
"But he loves Marietta!" cried both in accord.
"I know that, too," replied Toni, with superior mien. "I have known it for a week."
The effect of this explanation was so crushing that the two furious people became silent and looked at each other in consternation. Toni continued with imperturbable composure:
"Willy told me everything directly upon his arrival. He spoke so beautifully and truly that I wept with emotion. At the same time a letter arrived from Marietta, in which she begged my pardon, and that was still more touching. So nothing was left to me but to give back to Willy his promise and freedom."
"Without asking us?" exclaimed Regine.
"The asking would not have been of any use here," said Toni, calmly, "for I could not marry a man who tells me that he loves another. We have therefore quietly dissolved our engagement."
"So? And I learn it only now? You have become very independent suddenly," cried her father angrily.
"Willy intended to speak to you the next day, papa, but he could not have remained here any longer after such an explanation, and just then occurred the serious illness of Dr. Volkmar and Marietta's arrival. She was in despair poor Marietta! and Willy's heart almost broke at the thought of leaving her alone in this anxiety and of going away without knowing what turn the illness would take; so I proposed to him to keep quiet for the present, until the danger should be past; but I went with him to Waldhofen daily, so that he could see and console Marietta. They have been so grateful to me--those two. They have called me the guardian angel of their love."
The young lady seemed to find this very touching, too, for she carried her handkerchief to her eyes.