As soon as he was clearly gone the countess turned to the weaver and said:
"Hannah—your name is Hannah, I think?"
"Yes, madam."
"Well, Hannah, I have come to thank you for your tender care of my son, and to relieve you of him!" said the countess.
"Madam!" exclaimed the amazed woman, staring point-blank at the visitor.
"Why, what is the matter, girl? What have I said that you should glare at me in that way?" petulantly demanded the lady.
"Madam, you astonish me! Your son is not here. I know nothing about your son; not even that you had a son," replied Hannah.
"Oh, I see," said the lady, with a faint smile; "you are angry because I have left him on your hands so many days. That is pardonable in you. But, you see, my girl, it was not my fault. I never even heard of the little fellow's existence until late last night. I could not sleep for thinking of him. And I came here as soon as I had had my breakfast."
"Madam, can a lady have a son and not know it?" exclaimed Hannah, her amazement fast rising to alarm, for she was beginning to suppose her visitor a maniac escaped from Bedlam.
"Nonsense, Hannah; do not be so hard to propitiate, my good woman! I have explained to you how it happened! I came as soon as I could! I am willing to reward you liberally for all the trouble you have had with him. So now show me my son, there's a good soul."