He cast an almost insane glance at his enemy, and a
wild determination sounded in his voice as he answered:
"Yes, Herr Wallmoden, I shall remain."
The ambassador had not expected this answer; he had thought after his
conversation the matter would be ended.
He evinced no surprise, however, and said:
"Really? So you decide to remain? You are accustomed to play high, and
expect to do it here? We will have to interfere with that, I fear.
Better think it well over before you decide finally."
With that he turned quickly on his heel and left the room, just in time
to meet the head forester at its entrance.
"Where have you been hiding yourself, Herbert?" Schoenau asked
impatiently. "I have been searching the whole place for you."
"I went to the tower-chamber in search of my wife."
"She's in the dining-room with all the rest of the world, but you have
been missed already. Come, it is time that we got something to eat."
With which the head forester took hold of his brother-in-law's arm and
led him away, after his usual jolly manner.
Hartmut stood where von Wallmoden had left him. His breath came fast and
thick, and he was almost stifled with the feelings of shame, and hate,
and revolt, which surged within him. The ambassador's significant
speeches had crushed him utterly, although he had hardly grasped their
full meaning.
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