She had thought to crush her son with her appearance, and now he offered her resistance in this never before heard of manner.
His manly behavior tried her most, as she recognized by it how deep and powerful was the feeling which could change him so completely.
"I will spare you the enforcement of it toward your mother," she said with boundless bitterness. "You are of age, and master of Burgsdorf. I cannot prevent you, but if you really bring this Marietta Volkmar there as your wife--then I leave."
This threat did not miss its aim. Willibald started and drew back.
"Mamma, you speak in anger."
"I speak in deepest earnestness. As soon as an actress enters the house where I have lived and worked for thirty years--where I had hoped to lay my head down for its final rest--I shall leave the house forever. She may reign there then. You have the choice between her and your mother."
"But, Regine, do not force it to such a conclusion," Schonan tried to pacify her. "You torture the poor boy with this cruel 'either--or.'"
Regine did not listen to the exhortation. She stood there white to the lips, her eyes immovably fixed upon her son, and she repeated unyieldingly:
"Decide for yourself--this girl or me."
Willibald had also turned pale, and his lips quivered painfully and bitterly as he said in a low tone: