In those days Memel was a flourishing little city of about six thousand people, noted for its cleanliness and its English ways of living. It lies on water, and into its harbour came Dutch ships and English ones, giving it a look of activity.
As the Queen entered Memel a strange thing happened.
As if Nature, whom she loved with all her heart, wished to welcome her, the clouds suddenly parted like a curtain and there was the sun, which no one had seen for days, smiling forth gloriously.
"God be praised!" cried Hans. "It is a good omen."
As he and Bettina started into the city they came upon a lady and some children. She was stout and comfortable looking and wrapped in fine furs. The oldest of her children was a girl about fifteen, and the prettiest girl Bettina had ever seen.
When this lady saw Hans she gave a shriek.
"My goodness!" she cried. "Why, Hans, how came you here?"
As for Hans, he was all excitement.
"Mademoiselle Clara!" he cried. "Ach Gott! that I see you again!"
When the lady, with many exclamations, heard of Hans' journey, she raised her hands in horror.