He lowered his eyes, for he could not bear her gaze. His mother made a movement as if to cross over to her, but Meyerhofer seized her skirt, and said, louder than necessary, “If you dare!”
Paul felt as if paralyzed. His knees shook under him; a dull weight pressed upon his forehead which rendered him incapable of thought.
“You will bring shame on her,” he murmured incessantly, but without knowing what he was saying.
Inside the court the examination of witnesses began. One after the other was called.
First the workmen; then the public-house keeper in whose house Michel Raudszus had made the suspicious allusions; then the ragged little group in the corner. The room began to empty. Then the name of Douglas was called out. He whispered a few words in his daughter’s ear, which probably had reference to the Meyerhofers, and then walked off with long strides.
Her hands folded in her lap, she now sat alone by the wall. A deep blush of excitement burned on her cheeks. She looked very sweet and timid, and her simple, truthful nature was impressed on all her features.
His mother did not take her eyes from her, and at times she looked across at Paul and smiled as if in a dream.
A quarter of an hour elapsed; then Elsbeth’s name also was called. She threw one friendly glance at his mother and disappeared through the door. Her examination was not long.
“Mr. Meyerhofer, senior!” the clerk called from the court, and sprang towards them to help Paul in carrying the chair.
The old man panted and puffed out his cheeks; then again he leaned back, moaning low—inwardly rejoicing greatly to be able to play a part so full of effect.