In silence he breathed his prayer.
He returned to his chamber more composed in mind. Wilhelm seemed to sleep; but as Otto approached his bed he suddenly raised himself, and looked, inquiringly, around him.
“Who is there?” exclaimed he; “you are dressed! where have you been?” He was urgent in his inquiry.
Otto gave a joking reason.
“Let me have your hand!” said he. Otto gave it to him, he felt his pulse.
“Yes, quite correct!” said he; “the blood is yet in commotion. One sees plain enough that there is no concealing things! Here was I sleeping in all innocence, and you were running after adventures. You wicked bird!”
The thoughts worked rapidly in Otto’s soul. If Louise would only be silent, no one would dream of the possibility of his having part in Sidsel’s flight. He must allow Wilhelm quietly to have his joke.
“Was not I right?” asked Wilhelm.
“And if now you were so,” replied Otto, “will you tell it to any one?”
“Do you think that I could do such a thing?” replied Wilhelm; “we are all of us only mortal creatures!”