"What a delightful conclusion of his official career!" exclaimed Gretchen, mockingly, and regardless of her husband's warning glance.
"We may as well let Hubert rest!" said Waldemar. "Shall I not see you both in Villica on my return? I am here to-night incognito, but in a few days I shall return from Altenhof, where I am supposed to be at present. Now I must greet my mother and my--cousin."
CHAPTER XXIX.
[REUNION.]
Waldemar re-entered the room where he had left his relatives. The count sat in an easy-chair; both his arms were around Wanda, who knelt before him, and leaned her head against his shoulder. He had aged greatly during these last twelve months. He had left Villica a strong, energetic man, in the prime of middle life; he returned old in body and in heart, broken down by mental and physical suffering.
The princess, who stood near her brother, was first to observe the young man's entrance.
"Are you here at last, Waldemar?" she said, in a reproachful tone, as she advanced to meet her son; "we began to think you was not coming."
"I did not wish to intrude," replied Waldemar, hesitatingly.
"Will you always insist upon remaining a stranger to us? Have you not been so long enough? My son," she added, extending both arms to him, "I thank you."
For the first time since infancy Waldemar was clasped in his mother's arms. In that long, fervent embrace years of estrangement, strife, and bitterness vanished; that cold, hostile barrier which had separated two beings who belonged to each other by the holiest and nearest ties of kindred, was broken down. The son had at last won his mother's love.