"There is no other way. If Count Reichenberg finds us you will never reach it at all, for he is of a bad sort and is plotting evil against you."
"What, do you know him?"
"Of course I do, he was with my mother just lately and they talked of all sorts of things that I did not understand; they stormed and threatened at the convent up there, and I could plainly see it was no good that they were promising."
"And your mother was in league with him? Oh Berntrudis!"
"She was furious with the fathers of Marienberg on your account."
"Oh! woe is me that I must say it--we deserve it, for they made her a bad return for all her love and fidelity. But I bring misfortune and fatality on all that come near me."
"Not on me--you have not brought them on me," said the child, and Donatus felt as if he could see the smile of rapture with which she spoke the words.
They had reached the shepherd's hut, Beata stood still in front of it. "Now hide yourself in here while I speak to the shepherd."
"Beata--devise some plan for God's sake--I dare not wait till evening, for if we miss the Duchess all hope is lost."
"I know of no plan--unless you will change dresses with the shepherd. He must give you his smock and you must give him your clothes instead."