"My thoughts went no farther, for just then the clear tone of a post-horn rang out in the midst of the dance-music, a yellow coach rattled into the court and stopped before the steps, and a man swung himself out.
"'Klaus!' I cried out, and at the first moment would have gone to meet him; then I thought of Susanna—he came on her account, of course; they could not meet here, in the face of all these witnesses. I turned hastily to lead Susanna through the park to the house.
"She was lying unconscious in Isa's arms. 'The dance, the fatal dance!' lamented Isa; 'she cannot bear it!'
"Anna Maria, pale with fear, bent over her. 'Alas! just at this moment! Aunt,' she whispered, 'go to Klaus, or I—no, you, I beg you.'
"I limped across the court as quickly as I could; he was already coming toward me in the hall, his whole handsome face glowing with pleasure; without further ado, he took me in his arms.
"'They are under the oaks, are they not?' he asked. 'I wanted to be here to dinner, but these post-horses are miserable nags; they went like snails.' And he took my hand and pressed it to his lips. 'Is she not—Susanna—she——'
"'No, Klaus, they are no longer there. Wait a minute, come into your room; Anna Maria will be here at once. The fact is, Susanna is not quite well to-day; I would rather tell her first that you have come, so unexpectedly.'
"I pushed him back into the sitting-room; Stürmer was just coming in through the garden-parlor. A frightened look came over Klaus's face, but the question died on his lips as Stürmer cordially held out both hands to him, and then, turning to me, said: 'What is the matter with Fräulein Mattoni? Can it really be the effect of dancing? Only think, Klaus, a moment ago she was rosy and happy, and just as you came rattling into the yard, I saw her turn pale and totter, and before I knew what it meant, her old duenna had caught her, and was lamenting, "That comes of dancing!" Is that possible?'
"'Of course!' I declared, quickly; 'Susanna is delicate, and the giddy round dance—' I broke off, for Klaus looked so anxious I feared he might betray himself on the spot.
"'Dear Edwin,' I begged, 'will you take my place with the guests outside for a moment longer? Pastor Grüne is sitting quite alone on the bench; you know he is sensitive. Klaus, you will excuse me; I will see how things are going up-stairs, and send Brockelmann to you with something to eat.'