"But I tell you I am not the man who will allow the door to be shut in his face; she is at home, I say."
Ilse threw off her hat and cloak, sprang down the stairs, and called out.
"Mr. Hummel!"
"Your most obedient servant, Mrs. Werner," cried out Hummel. "I come immediately, only I will first express to this major-domo my high opinion of him. You are a scoundrel, sir, and an object to whom I wish such treatment as he deserves--a well-seasoned switch and a tight halter. I am coming, Mrs. Werner." He ascended the stairs heavily. Ilse flew to meet him, led him into her room, and was so overcome that she laid her head on his shoulder and wept.
Mr. Hummel was silent, and looked sympathizingly at Ilse.
"So these are Court ways?" he asked, softly; "and this is the fashion in which people act here?"
"My husband is away. I wish to leave this place; Mr. Hummel, do help me to escape!"
"That is exactly my situation," said Mr. Hummel: "I am implicated, myself, in an elopement affair. I have come to this city in order to convey to you a request from my daughter Laura, and to bring matters to some settlement with the clergymen here. But where do you wish to go to?"
"To kind friends who will take me to my father's house."
"That will certainly be the right course," replied Mr. Hummel.