Hannah von Gropphusen had seated herself upon a chair, carelessly crossing her legs so that the grey silk stockings were visible from ankle to knee. Presently she became conscious of Landsberg's regard; she moved disdainfully, and slowly rearranged her skirt.
Reimers felt furious. He longed to kick the offending youth. He sprang to his feet. He felt he must break some-thing, destroy something, dash something to pieces. Tremblingly he swung his racquet, as if to hurl it at the fellow's head. But suddenly his arm dropped to his side; he had twisted his wrist. The racquet fell from his hand.
"What's the matter?" asked Frau von Gropphusen.
"Nothing," he answered roughly. "Excuse me, I must say good-night."
He bowed stiffly. All grew dark before his eyes. He saw dimly that the lady had risen.
For a moment she stood perplexed. Then she said in a much softer voice: "But won't you see me home to-night, Herr Reimers?"
"I am at your service," he answered.
Landsberg hastened to take his departure, and the two followed him slowly.
Black clouds lowered overhead; now and then a gust of wind swept over the fields.
Reimers quickened his pace.