Part 76 (1/2)

”Yes--for the countess will always be what she is, even as Herr Freyer's wife! I only wanted to say. Your Highness, that I wouldn't do that. If I were you, I wouldn't give _them_ a single kind word. I'll take back the carriage and horses and say that they can have everything which belongs to you. But I won't beg for my Countess! I think it would be less disgrace if you should condescend to accept something from a plain man like myself, who would consider it an honor and whom you needn't thank! I--” he laughed awkwardly: ”I only want to say, if you won't take offence--that I bargained for a little house to-day. But I did it in your name, so that Your Highness needn't be ashamed to live with me! I haven't any kith and kin and--and it will belong to you.”

”Martin, Martin!” the proud woman humbly bent her head. ”Be it so! You shall help me, if all else abandons me. I will accept it as a loan from you. I can paint--I will try to earn something, perhaps from one of the fas.h.i.+on journals, to which I have always subscribed. The maid once told me I might earn my living by it--it was a prophecy! So I can, G.o.d willing, repay you at some future day.”

”Oh, we won't talk about that!” cried Martin joyously, kissing the countess' hands.

”If I may have a little room under the roof for myself--we'll call it the interest. And I have something to spare besides, for--you must eat, too.”

The countess covered her face with her trembling hands.

”Now I'll drive home and in Your Highness' name throw carriage, horses, and all the rest of the rubbish at the Wildenaus' feet--then I'll come back and bring something nice for our invalid which can't be had here--and my livery, for Sundays and holidays, so that we can make a good appearance! And I'll look after the garden and house, and--do whatever else you need. Oh, I've never been so happy in my life!”

He left her, and the countess stood gazing after him a long time, deeply shamed by the simple fidelity of the old man, who wished to wear her livery and be her servant, while he was really her benefactor: In truth--high or low--human nature is common to all. Martin returned: ”Doesn't Your Highness wish to bid farewell to the horses? Shan't I drive past, or will it make you feel too badly?”

”Beautiful creatures,” a tone of melancholy echoed in her voice as she spoke: ”No, Martin, I don't want to see them again.”

”Yes, yes--!” Martin had understood her, and pitied her more than for anything else, for it seemed to him the hardest of sacrifices to part with such beautiful horses.

The countess remained alone in the little garden. The stars were s.h.i.+ning above her head. She thought of the diamond stars which she had once flung to Freyer in false atonement, to place in the dead child's coffin--if she had them now to use their value to support her sick husband--_that_ would be the fitting atonement.

”Only do not let _him_ starve, oh, G.o.d! If I were forced to see him starve! Oh, G.o.d!--spare me that, if it can be!” she prayed, her eyes uplifted with anxious care to the glittering star-strewn vault.

”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--G.o.d 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.----

The week was drawing to a close, and the burgomaster was now obliged to consider the question of the distribution of parts. He found the patient out of bed and wearing a very cheerful, hopeful expression.

”I don't know, Herr Freyer, whether I can venture to discuss my important business with you,” he began timidly.

”Oh--I understand--you wish to know when I can play again? Next Sunday.”

”You are not in earnest?” said the burgomaster, almost startled.