Egon stood there transfixed and looked at her. There it was--the awakening, of which he had often dreamed, Fire and life glowed there now--a blooming world arose from the ice; but it was another who had called it forth.
"I do not dare to decide as to whether you are right, gracious lady," said the Prince in a toneless voice, after a brief silence. "I only know one thing. Whether Hartmut be guilty or not, he is enviable in this hour."
Adelaide shrank back; she understood the hint and lowered her head mutely before the reproachful glance.
"I came to say farewell," continued Egon. "I intended to add a question--a prayer--to this leave-taking, but that is over now. I have only to bid you farewell."
Adelaide raised her eyes, in which hot tears glistened, and offered her hand.
"Farewell, and may God take you in His care and keeping during the campaign!"
But Prince Adelsberg shook his head silently.
"What shall I do with life?" he finally cried in overwhelming sorrow. "I should like best--no, do not look at me so entreatingly! I know now that I made a fatal mistake, and I will not torture you with a confession; but, Adelaide, I would gladly die could I buy with death the look and tone you had just now for another. Farewell!"
Once more he pressed her hand to his lips, then hastened away.