"'If you are so tiresome, I sha'n't try on the dress again,' she pouted.
"'But, dear child,' I whispered, 'do you not see that your husband is ill?' I took away the lamp, and laid my hand on his white forehead.
"'Ah, only a little quiet,' he moaned.
"'Come Susanna.' I begged the young wife, gently; 'go over to your room; I think Klaus is in a high fever, and he must have quiet."
"Susanna looked at me incredulously. 'But it will be better to-morrow?' she asked quickly. 'You will be well again to-morrow, won't you, Klaus?'
"He nodded. 'Yes, yes, my darling; don't worry.'
"'Well, then, I will go away quickly, so that you can sleep. Good-night, Klaus!' she said, taking the silk dress on her arm. And she hastily bent over him and kissed his forehead. Then she disappeared, but her silvery voice floated over here once again: 'Isa, Isa, here; Christian is to go to Dambitz directly, to Herr von Stürmer; he must wait for an answer.'
"Suddenly Klaus gave a deep groan. 'My poor boy.' I lamented over him; 'are you feeling very badly?'
"'I think I am going to be very ill,' he whispered. 'I can't control my thoughts, everything turns round and round. Anna Maria, bring me Anna Maria.'
"Brockelmann was just outside in the hall. 'Call the Fräulein,' I bade her, 'and make them be quiet outside.' Anna Maria came, and went up to the bed. He seized her hand.