Part 14 (2/2)
Naturally she was very wet. The water ran from her dress, which she had released from her grasp without consideration, but with perfect unconcern she turned to her escort and said: ”Shall we continue on our way? It cannot be very far to Furstenstein.”
Hartmut did not return a syllable, but something like hatred sprang up within him for this woman, who would rather slip into the cold flood than trust herself to his arms. The proud, spoiled man whose brilliant traits had heretofore won all hearts, felt so much more keenly the humiliation which was forced upon him here. He almost cursed the whole encounter.
They walked on. From time to time Rojanow threw a glance upon the heavy, wet hem of the dress which trailed on the ground beside him, but otherwise he bestowed his whole attention upon the surroundings, which seemed to get lighter. This forest thickness must end some time!
His supposition was correct. He had been successful in his leaders.h.i.+p, for the path taken at random proved the right one. In about ten minutes they stood upon a slight elevation which offered a free outlook. Over yonder, above an ocean of treetops, rose the towers of Furstenstein, while a broad road, which could be plainly seen, wound to the foot of the castle mount.
”There is Furstenstein,” said Hartmut, turning for the first time to his companion, ”although it will be about half an hour's walk from here.”
”That is of no consequence,” she interrupted him quickly. ”I am very grateful to you for your guidance, but I cannot now miss the road, and I should not like to trouble you further.”
”As you wish, gracious Fraulein,” Rojanow said, coldly. ”If you desire to dismiss your guide here he will not force himself upon you.”
The reproach was understood. The young lady herself might feel that a man who had guided her through the forest for hours might well deserve a different dismissal, even if she found it necessary to keep him at a distance.
”I have already detained you too long,” she said graciously, ”and since you have introduced yourself, Herr Rojanow, let me give you my name also before we part--Adelaide von Wallmoden.”
Hartmut started slightly and a burning blush covered his face as he repeated slowly, ”Wallmoden!”
”Is the name familiar to you?”
”I believe I have heard it before, but it was in--in North Germany.”
”Most probably, for that is my husband's home.”
Unmistakable surprise was depicted in Rojanow's face as the supposed young girl announced herself a married woman, but he bowed politely.
”Then I beg your pardon, gracious lady, for the wrong address. I could not antic.i.p.ate that you were married. In any case, I have not the honor of knowing your husband even by name, for the gentleman who was then known to me was already advanced in years. He belonged to the diplomatic corps, and his name was, if I am not mistaken, Herbert von Wallmoden.”
”Quite right; my husband is at present Amba.s.sador at the court of this country. But he will be anxious about my long stay. I must not tarry longer. Once again, my thanks, Herr Rojanow.”
She bowed slightly and took the descending road. Hartmut stood motionless, looking after her, but an ashy paleness was on his face.
So--he had hardly set foot upon German soil before there met him a name and connection with old times which was at least painfully disagreeable to him.
Herbert von Wallmoden, brother of Frau von Eschenhagen, guardian of Willibald, and friend of----
Rojanow suddenly broke off in his thoughts, for a sharp, painful stab sank into his breast.
As if to throw something from him he straightened himself, and again the harsh, offensive sarcasm trembled around his lips, over which he had such masterly command.
”Uncle Wallmoden has made a fine career at least,” he murmured, ”and seems to have had good luck besides. His hair must have been gray a long time, and yet with it he conquers a young, beautiful girl. Of course an amba.s.sador is always a good match, hence the cool, aristocratic manner which does not consider it worth the while to bend to other mortals. Probably the diplomatic school of the husband has educated his chosen one especially for this position. Well, he has succeeded admirably.”
His eyes still followed the young wife, who had already reached the foot of the hill, but now a deep furrow appeared in his brow.
”If I should meet Wallmoden here--and it can scarcely be avoided--he will recognize me beyond a doubt. If he then tells her the truth--if she learns what has happened--and looks at me again with that look of contempt----” In wild, out-breaking wrath he stamped his foot upon the ground, then laughed bitterly.
”Pah! what do I care? What does this blond, blue-eyed race, with their indolent, cold blood, know of the longing for freedom--of the storm of pa.s.sions--of life in general? Let them pa.s.s judgment upon me! I do not fear the meeting. I shall know how to hold my own.”
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