At last he was to behold the mythological appearance—yes, and even hear her voice!
"Show her ladyship into the guest-chamber, and take a lamp in there," he ordered, following quickly, after he had adjusted his cravat in front of the looking-glass.
Then she stood before him—the mysterious woman. Her face was veiled as usual. Behind her stood the groom, with whose appearance every child in the village was familiar.
"Herr Doctor," stammered the young girl, so faintly that it was difficult to tell whether it was the voice of a child, a young or an old woman, "I beg that you will come with me at once to the castle; the gentleman is very seriously ill."
"Certainly; I am delighted!—that is, I am not delighted to hear of the worshipful gentleman's illness, but glad that I am fortunate enough to be of service to him. I shall be ready in a few moments."
"Oh, pray make haste."
"The carriage will take us to the castle in five minutes, your ladyship."
"But we did not come in a carriage; we walked."
Only now the doctor noticed that the lady's gown was thickly spattered with mud.
"What? Came on foot in such weather—all the way from the Nameless Castle? and your ladyship has a carriage and horses?"