Part 14 (1/2)

This forest loneliness had, however, something fascinating in it. It was touched by the first slight breath of autumn; that touch which has not yet brought withering and death, but has only steeped the landscape in richer coloring. Here and there brilliant red and gold flashed through the bushes, but the forest itself still rested fresh and aromatic in its green dusk.

Beneath the crowns of the century-old trees bending gracefully toward each other, deep, cool shadows glided, and in the openings golden suns.h.i.+ne lay glistening on the flowers which bloomed here in the light.

Occasionally in the distance the bright mirror of a small pond glittered, resting lonely, as if lost in the midst of the deep forest.

Through the profound quiet all around could be heard the low rustling of the mighty trees and the humming and singing of thousands of insects that seemed to float upon the rays of the sun: all of those mysterious voices which are heard only in solitude--the sweet, dreamy language of the forest. It lured and coaxed irresistibly with its green depths, which stretched endlessly, always further and further, as if it wished to keep forever within its charm the two now walking through it.

But suddenly quite an unexpected obstacle appeared before them. Das.h.i.+ng and roaring from the thickly grown heights, a broad forest brook made a way for itself with merry haste through bushes and rocks.

Rojanow paused in his walk and took in the situation with a quick glance, but as nowhere could a ford or bridge be discovered, he turned to his companion.

”I fear we are in trouble; the brook seems to put an end to our path.

It is usually easy to cross on the moss-covered stones at the bottom, with some care, but yesterday's rain has covered them completely.”

The young lady was looking anxiously for some crossing place. ”Would it not be possible further down?” she asked, pointing down the stream.

”No, for the water is deeper and more rapid there. We must cross here at this place. Of course, you cannot go through the water. You will permit me, Fraulein, to carry you over?”

The offer was made with perfect courtesy and reserve, but Rojanow's eyes flashed triumphantly. Chance was avenging him now on the unapproachable one, who would not suffer his a.s.sistance even in the disengaging of her veil from a thorn bush. She had now to entrust herself unconditionally to his help, there was no choice but to allow herself to be carried in his arms to the other bank.

He drew near as if the permission sought had been granted, but she recoiled.

”I thank you, Herr Rojanow.”

Hartmut smiled with an irony which he took no pains to conceal. He was master of the situation now and intended to remain so.

”Do you desire to turn back?” he asked. ”More than an hour would be lost, whereas if we cross here the other side will be reached in a few moments. You can trust yourself to my arms without fear--the crossing will be quite without danger.”

”I think so, too,” was the calm reply, ”and therefore I shall try it alone.”

”Alone? That is impossible, Fraulein!”

”Impossible to walk through a forest brook? I do not consider that a particularly heroic deed.”

”But the water is deeper than you think. You will get a thorough wetting, and besides--it is really impossible.”

”I am not effeminate in the least and do not catch cold easily. Be so kind as to go first. I will follow.”

That was plain enough, and sounded so commanding that remonstrance was not possible. Hartmut bowed a silent a.s.sent and waded through the water, which could do no damage to his high hunting boots.

It was indeed, rather deep and violent, so that he had to be careful in getting a firm foothold upon the stones. A slight smile played around his lips as he stood on the other bank and awaited his companion, who had refused his protection so haughtily. Let her try coming alone; the water would frighten her; she would not be able to battle with it, and would be compelled to call him to help her in spite of her reluctance.

She had followed him without hesitation. With her delicate, thin boots offering no resistance whatever, she already stood in the water, which was cold, but she seemed scarcely to feel it. Catching up her dress with both hands, she advanced carefully and slowly, but quite surely, to the middle of the brook.

But here in the midst of the das.h.i.+ng, foaming flood, it required the firm step of a man to hold its own. The slender, soft foot of the lady searched in vain for a hold upon the slippery stones. The high heels of the dainty boots were as much of a detriment as the dress, the hem of which was caught by the waves.

The courageous pedestrian apparently lost the confidence hitherto displayed. She slipped several times and finally stood still. A questioning glance flew over to the bank where Rojanow stood, firmly decided not to lift his hand to help her until she asked for it.

She may have read this resolution in his eyes, and it seemed to give her back instantly her failing strength. She stood immovable a moment, but the determined expression in her features was in full play.

Suddenly she slipped from the flooded stones into water a foot deep, where she now, indeed, gained terra firma directly on the bottom of the brook, and could walk unmolested to the other bank. She grasped a branch of a tree, instead of Hartmut's offered hand, and by its aid swung herself to dry land.