"How is he?" a woman's figure suddenly emerged from the shadow at her side.
"Oh, Mary--Anastasia!"
"How is he?"
"Better, I think! He was very cheerful this evening!--"
"And you, Frau Freyer--how is it with you? It is hard, is it not? There are things to which we must become accustomed."
"Yes."
"I can understand. But do not lose confidence--God is always with us. And--I will pray to the Virgin Mary, whom I have so often personated! But if there is need of anything where human power can aid, I may help, may I not?"
"Mary--angel, be my teacher--sister!"
"No, mother!" said Anastasia smiling: "For if Freyer is my son, you must be my daughter. Oh, you two poor hearts, I am and shall now remain your mother, Mary!"
"Mother Mary!"--the countess repeated, and the two women held each other in a loving embrace.----