Ernestine completed her copy in about half an hour, and prepared to carry it to the pastor.
The days were beginning to grow longer. Although it was past four o'clock, the winter sun was looking brightly into the room, and upon the roofs below their windows the snow was melting into little rills.
"Shall you be back soon?" Gretchen called after Ernestine as she went out.
"In a very little while," was the answer, as the speaker left the room with her bundle of papers under her arm.
Gretchen was left alone in the room.
Another half-hour passed. A firm step was heard ascending the stairs. Gretchen listened intently. Her heart beat fast with joyous expectancy. Who was it that was intruding upon their seclusion?
She had not long to wait, there was a loud knock at the door. Gretchen's "Come in" was instantly followed by a "Thank God, 'tis he!" for Möllner stood upon the threshold.
"I knew you would come,--I was sure my letter to Herr Hilsborn would bring you,--I am delighted!" cried the girl, drawing him into the room. He said nothing in reply to her welcome, but let her take his hat and coat, and then, with a glance around the wretched apartment, exclaimed, in a tone of horror-stricken compassion, "Good God!"
Gretchen understood him, and gave him time to recover himself.
At last he asked, "Where is she?"