Miriam got out of the cart and followed them into the large public room. "I must not let myself become ill," she murmured half aloud.
The large room, with its gray damp walls and uneven floor, was almost empty. One little table alone was occupied. The people seated there were a young couple in comfortable traveling attire. The man appeared to be about thirty years of age. He had light hair, and his expression was good-natured and energetic. His companion was a dark-complexioned and beautiful woman, whose bright eyes sparkled in her happy, pleasant face. That they were newly married was evident, and they talked and laughed and joked as they ate. They were enjoying but a poor meal, consisting of bread and eggs, for they had considered the prices of the tavern extortionate.
The three women sat down in a corner. "That is our Frau Gräfin's head forester," whispered one woman to the other; "he has just married a young wife in Czernowitz, and now he must be bringing her home to Barnow."
"To Barnow?" asked Miriam hastily; but she sank back in her chair again—she had to go to Sadagóra.
The women ordered refreshment, and Miriam ate a mouthful or two. She soon pushed her plate away, and when Simon came into the room, went up to him, and asked, "Must we stay here so long?"
"Yes—because of the horses," he answered. "We must stop here until four o'clock."
"So long!" she sighed. "How many miles are we from Barnow!"
"Only three miles.[3] The road is so bad."
"Only three miles!" she reiterated with dismay. "When shall we arrive at Sadagóra?"
"The day after to-morrow, at noon."