“Hartmut, that obstinate girl has given in at last, and has consented
to be your wife, but....”
“No ‘but,’” cried the hero, “she consents!—mother, I must hear her say
so with her own lips,” and he hastened from the room.
When he saw Gudrûn, he would have clasped her in his arms but she
signed to him not to approach her, telling him that she could not
listen to him in the abode of her misery; but that next morning, in the
full light of day, and in presence of all the warriors, she would
receive, and give the bridal ring. Hartmut now gave orders that Gudrûn
should be provided with all that was necessary for the comfort and
well-being of the future queen, and that her maidens should be restored
to her.
His orders were fulfilled. The princess and Hildburg kept their secret
well. It was not till the Hegeling maidens were all safe in their
sleeping chamber that they heard of the arrival of Ortwin and Herwig.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]