At this question the young woman sprang to her feet and for an instant she was seized with the desire of springing out of this infernal vehicle as it flew along the dry grass, and flying, flying, flying, till some bottomless abyss swallowed her up; but the next moment she submitted to her fate, bowed her head, hid her hands beneath her mantle, and said:
"I will be obedient!"
"My great love for you was the cause of my crime. Will you hate me for it?"
It was with a very low voice that the young wife replied:
"I will be gentle."
"This humiliation will only last for a night," said the husband encouragingly. "Early to-morrow morning we will go on our way. No one will ever find out who was the father of the pastor of Great Leta. We will live in peace and honor and walk in the way of the Lord."
"Amen!" answered the wife, but she heaved a great sigh.
Meanwhile the sledge had arrived in front of the lonely house.