"You seem to look upon this affair from a comic standpoint," she said. "I take it differently."
"That will not help you any," returned Schonan. "When such a model son commences to rebel, the affair is usually hopeless, especially when he is in love. But I am curious to know how Willy behaves himself as a lover--it must be a remarkable sight!"
CHAPTER XLI.
Herr von Schonan's curiosity was to be immediately satisfied, for Willy now appeared. He had heard of the arrival of his mother and was therefore prepared for anything, for that there must be something especial to bring her to Furstenstein so unexpectedly, he knew. But the young lord did not shrink back this time as he did two months ago, when he timidly concealed the rose in his pocket. His bearing betrayed that he was determined to take up the unavoidable contest.
"Here is your mother, Willy," commenced the Chief Forester. "I suppose you are very much surprised to see her here?"
"No, uncle, I am not," was the answer, but the young man made no attempt to approach his mother, for she stood there like a threatening storm cloud, and her voice rumbled like distant thunder as she said: "So you know why I have come?"
"I at least guess it, mamma, even if I cannot understand how you have heard----"
"The papers have told all--there it lies," interrupted Frau von Eschenhagen, pointing to the table, "and, besides, Toni has told us everything--do you hear? everything!"
She pronounced this last word in an annihilating tone. Willy was not moved from his composure, but replied tranquilly:
"Well, I shall not have to tell you, then. I should have spoken to uncle to-day about it."