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But he rapidly grew worse. To the faithful Hechler he said, "Give them all my greetings and tell them that I have given my heart's blood for my people." On July 3, pneumonia set in and there were signs of approaching exhaustion. His mother arrived, then his two younger children, Hans and Trude.
"Lay out an elegant visiting toilet; I will return directly, after Trude has shown me the house," They entered the adjoining chamber, Marie's sleeping-room and found the German maid arranging the lace and silk coverings for her mistress to repose herself after the long journey. Marie betrayed no inclination for repose, but questioned Trude as to whither the other door led to.
Outside stood old Trude, to tell him that she would be at the baker's at seven o'clock every morning, and wait for his commissions, "and may be I shall have something to bring you," she said. "So do come!" "I will, my good Trude; you are the only person who is friendly to us. Watch over my angel, console her with your affection, and when they are too hard upon her, come to me."
The servant understood the cold, commanding tone of the mother, and dared not disobey. "It is nothing good that they have to tell her," grumbled Trude, as she hurried up the stairs which led from the first story into the little, low room in the attic, under the sloping roof. Here and there a few tiles could be lifted, which lighted the garret sufficiently to show the door at the end.
"Leberecht told me my mistress called me." "Why do you then look so furious, and what are you seeking on the table?" asked Frau von Werrig. "My money," cried Trude, vehemently. "I thought that you called me to pay me, and that my wages were all counted out on the table. But I see there is nothing there, and I fear I shall get none, and be poor as a church-mouse all my life long.
"He is very ill, perhaps dying, and " "No, no, my child, he is not ill, I will tell you all about it, if you will not worry. I have been to Herr Moritz's lodgings to-day. I could not wait any longer, and " "Did you see him, and speak with him, Trude?" "No Marie, he was not there; and the people in the house told me that he had been gone for a week." "Gone!" repeated Marie, thoughtfully.
"Do you not see she has it?" cried Leberecht. "Oh, you wretch, I will pay you I will scratch your eyes out, you miserable creature!" "Trude, be quiet," commanded Ebenstreit; "the general orders to give up the key do it!" "Yes, do it at once," shrieked Frau von Werrig, "or I will dismiss you from my service." "That you will not have to do, as I shall go myself. I will not give up the key."
Trude was right, there was no mercy in Frau von Werrig's heart. "Have you finished? Have you any thing more to say?" she asked, in her most unsympathizing manner. "Nothing more with our lips, but our hearts still implore you." "I do not understand this language, sir, and you have not succeeded in giving me hearing, or ears to hear with.
"I know how he is," she said, turning away her face, "I realize his sufferings by my own. We are miserable, lost and no hope but in death. Ere this comes, there is a desert to traverse in heat, and dust, and storm, and frost, alone, without consolation or support. Hush, Trude! do not seek to revive miserable hopes. I know my fate, and I will endure it. Tell me what you know about him? Where is he?
It was a long time before the old woman appeared, confused and sleepy, asking "what they wanted at such a late hour?" "Go and tell my daughter that I wish to see her at once." Trude trembled, but composed herself, saying, "There is time enough to-morrow. Fraulein has been asleep a long time." "She lies," sneered Leberecht, taking the precaution to protect himself behind the general's arm-chair.
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