for the little ones at home
Were we not one and all born fools

MARGERY

By Georg Ebers

Volume 6.

CHAPTER VI.

Shall I now set forth how that Ann and I found Herdegen in his
hiding-place, a simple little beekeeper's but in the most covert part of
the Lorenzer wald, a spot whither no horseman might pass; how that even
in his poor peasant's weed my brother was yet a goodly man, and clasped
his sweetheart in his arms as ardently as in that first day on his
homecoming from Italy--and how that the dear, hunted fellow, beholding me
in mourning dress, took his sister to his heart as soon as his plighted
love had left the place free? Yea, for the dead had been dear to him
likewise, and his love for me had never failed.

When we presently gave ourselves up in peace to the joy of being all
together once more, I weened that his eye was more steadfast, and his
voice graver and calmer than of old; and whensoever he spoke to me it was
in a soft and heartfelt tone, which gave me comforting assurance that he
grieved for my grief. And how sweetly and gravely did he beguile Ann to
make the most of this sad meeting, wherein welcome and God-speed so
closely touched. In the house once more I rejoiced in the lofty flight
which lifted this youth's whole spirit above all things common or base;
and his sweetheart's eyes rested on him in sheer delight as he talked
with my uncle, or with the magistrate who had come forth with us to the
Forest. And albeit it was in truth his duty to the Emperor his master, to
fulfil his behest, nevertheless he gave us his promise that he would put
off the announcement of the sentence till we should return to the town
next day, and prolong our time together and with Cousin Maud as much as
in him lay.

My aunt's eyes shone with sheer joy when they fell on her darling with
Herdegen at her side, and she could say to herself no doubt that these
two, who, as she conceived, were made for each other, would hardly have
come together again but for her help. Or ever we set forth on the morrow,
she called Herdegen to her once more to speak with him privily, and bid
him bear in mind that if ever in his wanderings he should meet another
youth--and he knew who--he might tell him that at home in the
Lorenzerwald a mother's heart was yet beating, which could never rest
till his presence had gladdened it once more.

My uncle rode with us into the town. It was at the gate that the
magistrate told Herde