The Ratisbon councillor allowed him to finish his explanation, and then
with quiet dignity remarked that his Majesty's summons did not concern
him. It rested entirely with jungfrau Blomberg to decide whether she
would accept it at so late an hour.

But Barbara had already determined.

The assent was swift and positive, but neither the light of the more
distant torches nor of the lantern close at hand was brilliant enough
to show the baron how the girl's face blanched at the message that the
Emperor Charles did not command, but only humbly entreated her to do him
a favour that evening.

She had with difficulty uttered a few words of thanks; but when the
adroit baron, with flattering urgency, besought her to crown her kindness
and remember the saying that whoever gives quickly gives doubly, she
pressed her right hand on her throbbing heart, and rode to Frau
Kastenmayr's side to explain briefly what compelled her to leave them,
and say to her and her brother a few words of farewell and gratitude.

Herr Peter replied with sincere kindness; his sister with equally well-
meant chilling displeasure. Then Barbara rode on with the two envoys, in
advance of the procession, at the swiftest trot. Her tongue, just now so
voluble, seemed paralyzed. The violent throbbing of her heart fairly
stopped her breath. A throng of contradictory thoughts and feelings
filled her soul and mind. She was conscious of one thing only. A great,
decisive event was imminent, and the most ardent wish her heart had ever
cherished was approaching its fulfilment.