"I congratulate you, my lady," he said, offering his hand to escort her up the steps.
Oswald felt the slender fingers grasping his arm very firmly.
"Was it not your will?" she whispered. And now he knew that the great gray eyes had flamed up with love, and not with hatred. "Many thanks! Let me see you soon. I promise you Cloten will receive you well!"
They had reached the last step.
Oswald bowed.
"Then I shall see you again?"
"I will come!"
The young lady entered the house. Oswald went down the steps, past the lame servant, who was still rubbing his knees, and looked wonderingly at his improvised colleague.
Oswald laughed aloud as he went on: "Emily Breesen--Frau von Cloten! And merely because I would have it so! And if I should not wish it to be so any longer--what then?"