Cornelia did not suspect what a sword was hanging over her head, did
not question the near or distant future, but lived wholly in the
present moment. One thing alone she did not forget,--her visits to the
prisoners. She devoted the usual time to them; the place where she
first saw Ottmar had become sacred to her, and by her mournful labors
for the unfortunate men, her patience with their sufferings and
obstinacy, she believed that she was paying fate a tribute for the
happiness enjoyed in her love. She rarely appeared in public, for she
could not bear the glances that accused her of guilt of which she knew
herself to be innocent. She therefore no longer entered a church or
theatre; her church was her love, her God in Heinrich's breast, and her
studies with him conjured up a world of beauty. She wanted nothing,
needed nothing, but him. She made no subtle inquiries and no longer
doubted him; he was everything to her, and she knew that with him she
should lose all.
Thus it sounded like a voice from another world when one day a
"stranger lady" was announced. Who could visit her still? The lady
entered, and fixed a half-timid, half-questioning, glance upon
Cornelia.
"You are Fraeulein Erwing?"
"That is my name. With whom have I the honor of speaking?"
"I have come on an errand from her Highness the princess."
Cornelia gazed dreamily into eyes whose blue vied with the ribbons on
the stranger's hat.
"Her Highness wishes to make your acquaintance, and begs you to pay her
a visit to-morrow afternoon at four o'clock."
The young girl's voice trembled slightly, and she looked expectantly at
Cornelia. The latter stood motionless with amazement, almost terror.
What did Ottilie want of her? Roeschen--for she alone could execute this
confidential commission--was unable to turn her eyes from the noble
figure its sweeping black robes.
"Can you not at least tell what has procured me the great happiness of
being permitted to wait upon the princess?" asked Cornelia.
"No, Fraeulein; I only know you will be received with the greatest
kindness, and that only sincere interest induced the princess to see
you."
"Say to her Highness that I am truly grateful to her, and that I will
wait upon her to-morrow at the time appointed."
"Her Highness will be very glad. Farewell."
"Excuse me, Fraeulein; one question more: is your name Roeschen?"