"Then I beg your pardon, gracious lady, for the wrong address. I could not anticipate that you were married. In any case, I have not the honor of knowing your husband even by name, for the gentleman who was then known to me was already advanced in years. He belonged to the diplomatic corps, and his name was, if I am not mistaken, Herbert von Wallmoden."
"Quite right; my husband is at present Ambassador at the court of this country. But he will be anxious about my long stay. I must not tarry longer. Once again, my thanks, Herr Rojanow."
She bowed slightly and took the descending road. Hartmut stood motionless, looking after her, but an ashy paleness was on his face.
So--he had hardly set foot upon German soil before there met him a name and connection with old times which was at least painfully disagreeable to him.
Herbert von Wallmoden, brother of Frau von Eschenhagen, guardian of Willibald, and friend of----
Rojanow suddenly broke off in his thoughts, for a sharp, painful stab sank into his breast.
As if to throw something from him he straightened himself, and again the harsh, offensive sarcasm trembled around his lips, over which he had such masterly command.
"Uncle Wallmoden has made a fine career at least," he murmured, "and seems to have had good luck besides. His hair must have been gray a long time, and yet with it he conquers a young, beautiful girl. Of course an ambassador is always a good match, hence the cool, aristocratic manner which does not consider it worth the while to bend to other mortals. Probably the diplomatic school of the husband has educated his chosen one especially for this position. Well, he has succeeded admirably."
His eyes still followed the young wife, who had already reached the foot of the hill, but now a deep furrow appeared in his brow.
"If I should meet Wallmoden here--and it can scarcely be avoided--he will recognize me beyond a doubt. If he then tells her the truth--if she learns what has happened--and looks at me again with that look of contempt----" In wild, out-breaking wrath he stamped his foot upon the ground, then laughed bitterly.