"'Is it possible?' I stammered. 'Anna Maria—' My head whirled about like a mill-wheel. It was decided, then; Susanna was to be his wife!
"Klaus had been stirred up to the utmost extent; that his hasty decision proved. Of what use would it be if I were to go now to Anna Maria and say: 'Compose yourself, it is not to be altered now!' In her present state of mind she would throw herself at his feet and accuse Susanna, though he were already standing with her before the priest. In his passion for this girl he would believe nothing of all this; he would require proofs. And proofs? Who would accuse her of infidelity? How could she help it that Stürmer loved her? That she had wept and wrung her hands, was that anything positive? That Stürmer fancied himself loved by her, could that be made out a crime on her part? It would have been madness to excite Klaus further, to say to him now: 'Leave her; she will not make you happy.'
"With fixed gaze I followed the old woman about, and in restless anxiety saw her begin to light the candles beside the great mirror; their light was reflected from the polished glass and fell sparkling on the gilt frames of the family portraits; deep crimson color shone from the curtains and furniture, and a warm breath now came from the fire through the chilly air. Was it a reality?
"Then I started up. Anna Maria was still sitting alone and waiting; my place was with her. I found her in the dark, still in the same spot, and sat down beside her.
"'He has gone away,' she asked, 'has he not?'
"'No,' said I, 'he is coming back directly.'
"'To me?'
"'I do not know, my child.'
"'What is that loud slamming of doors?' she asked after a while. 'And why do I sit here so cowardly, as if I had something to fear, when I have done nothing wrong? I need not wait for him to come to me; I can go to him first.'
"And she stood up again. With firm step she went to the door, but before she could put her hand on the latch the door opened, and Pastor Grüne, in full official robes, crossed the threshold.