Erika is trembling violently. "But, grandmother," she replies, "it is only a headache. You can do me no good by staying at home, and you know I cannot bear to make a disturbance."
"Yes, yes," says the grandmother. "But lie down, at least, my darling."
"You could not disappoint Constance Mühlberg: you know she depends upon you, she needs your support," Erika goes on, persuasively.
"Yes, that is true," the Countess admits.
She notices that Erika has hastily brushed away tears from her eyes, and the suspicion which had assailed her below in the garden is strengthened. Perhaps it would be better to leave the girl in peace for a while, she says to herself.
Meanwhile, Marianne appears, to say that the Countess Mühlberg is awaiting the ladies below in her gondola.
"Go, grandmother dear," Erika says, faintly; "go!"
"Yes, I will go; but first let me see you lie down, my child." She conducts Erika to the bed. "How you tremble! You can hardly stand." She arranges her long dressing-gown, strokes the girl's cheek, and kisses her forehead. She has reached the door, when she hears a low voice behind her say, "Grandmother!"
She turns. Erika is half sitting up in bed, looking after her. "What is it, my child?"
"Nothing, only I was thinking just now that I have not treated you as I ought, sometimes lately. Forgive me, grandmother!"