Landolin was suddenly in the midst of the crowded meadow, and the first
person that he hit against was the one-handed man who had been his
substitute in the army.
"Come here, I'll give you something," said Landolin, putting his hand
into his pocket. The one-handed man hesitated to reach out his left
hand, but at length he did it; for he couldn't bear to refuse a gift,
although he was earning good wages, especially just now; for Anton had
bought him some pictures of the heroes of our day, which he was hawking
about, and he well understood the art of praising his wares. Titus
watched Landolin as he gave the man something, and their eyes met, but
neither greeted the other. Titus was of the opinion that Landolin
should speak to him first in a very humble manner; and Landolin
expected the man of unsullied honor to make the first advances.
Landolin saw Fidelis. The servant who had formerly been in his employ,
passed by as though he didn't know him; perhaps he was annoyed that his
master had been acquitted notwithstanding his damaging testimony.
Landolin was inclined to speak to him and be friendly, but he heard
Titus call him (for Fidelis was now in his service) and say: "Enjoy
yourself as much as you can--your honor is without a stain--and I will
pay for what you eat."
The maids of honor with wreaths on their heads went past, walking arm
in arm. Their number had evidently been increased. They were the
daughters of the district forester, of Titus, and of another farmer;
but what would they all have been beside Thoma, had she been there?
The men shook hands and congratulated one another upon the pleasant day
and the fine celebration. Landolin rubbed his cold hands--no one had
touched his hand--was there blood sticking on it? Had he not been
acquitted?
"What can be the matter with Anton Armbruster? What has kept him from
coming?... The best part is wanting when he is away.... Thoma wouldn't
let him come to the celebration.... No, their engagement is broken
off.... I'll tell you; Anton is ashamed of Landolin, whose acquittal
was such an atrocity. Look! There he goes now."
Such, and still more biting words Landolin heard from every group, as
he went around like one risen from the dead, with whom no one would
have anything to do. "I have not deserved this, not this----" said
Landolin, angry and at the same time sad. His eyes burned as they
sought a friendly glance. He not only felt that all the people at the
celebration disliked him because of what he had done, and delighted to
wound him by ignoring his presence, but he also saw plainly that they
were particularly angry at him, because on his account Anton was
absent. Here, at the very place where, on the day of the fair, he had
vaingloriously boasted that he considered Anton of lower station than
himself--here he was made to hear how universally the man whom he might
have called son was beloved and honored.
Landolin turned to go. Why should he stay? But "Hush! Stand still!" was
heard from all sides; for a trumpet sounded, and the district forester
mounted the platform. He said that Anton Armbruster had been selected
to welcome their friends and comrades.
Cries of "Hurrah for Anton!" arose here and there; but silence was
commanded, and the forester, in simple words, welcomed the guests, and
explained the significance of the celebration. He said he intended to
be brief, for hungry stomachs do not like to be fed with words; and he
concluded with a cheer for the Fatherland.
"To dinner! To dinner!" was now the cry. The tables were soon crowded,
while the band played lively airs. Titus sat at a table with the other
rich farmers. Landolin took a chair, and saying, "With your leave," sat
down with them.
"So, Mr. Ex-bailiff, you here too?" Landolin heard himself addressed,
and turning around, saw Engelbert, the shepherd of Gerlachseck, who had
wanted to hire out to him. He now wore a large white apron, for the
hostess of the Sword had engaged him as an assistant for the day.
Landolin did not answer.
His companions at table ate and drank heartily, and talked loudly, but
no one spoke a word to Landolin, until at length Titus said: "Well, how
is it, Landolin? I hear you're going to sell your farm. If that's so,
I'm a purchaser. I'll pay a good price. You can have a valuation put on
it."
"Who said that I was going to sell?"
"Oh, it's generally reported that you're going to leave the
neighborhood."
"If I knew who started that story, I'd pull his tongue out of his
throat."
"I wouldn't do that," laughed Titus; "you certainly ought to know that
that isn't a good plan."
"'Twas you," cried Landolin, "that started it--you!"
Titus gave no answer, but got up and walked away; the others soon
followed him, and Landolin was left alone at the table.
Music filled the air. There was dancing; and during the intervals
people laughed and sang, and made merry, while Landolin struggled with
rage and sorrow. Are these people here all snow-white innocents? Are
there not dozens of them who have much worse things on their
conscience?
He wished that he had power to rush in and crush everything under foot.
At other times a sadness came over him, and he thought: "Were I only in
prison, or, better still, not in the world at all."
But lest he should show his emotion, he leaned back, lighted his pipe,
and smoked with a defiant look on his face. "They shall not succeed in
making me eat humble pie."
At that moment merry laughter arose from the table where the people of
rank were sitting. "What does that mean? Are the great folks rejoicing
over my misfortune? No, that cannot be, for there sits the judge's
wife, with her son, the lieutenant."