We
went out, leaving Rischenheim by the body. I did not think of
him; Bernenstein probably thought that he would keep his pledge
given to the queen, for he followed us immediately and without
demur. There was nobody outside the door. The house was very
quiet, and the tumult from the street reached us only in a
muffled roar. But when we came to the foot of the stairs we found
the two women. Mother Holf stood on the threshold of the kitchen,
looking amazed and terrified. Rosa was clinging to her; but as
soon as Rudolf came in sight, the girl sprang forward and flung
herself on her knees before him, pouring out incoherent thanks to
Heaven for his safety. He bent down and spoke to her in a
whisper; she looked up with a flush of pride on her face. He
seemed to hesitate a moment; he glanced at his hands, but he wore
no ring save that which the queen had given him long ago. Then he
disengaged his chain and took his gold watch from his pocket.
Turning it over, he showed me the monogram, R. R.
"Rudolfus Rex," he whispered with a whimsical smile, and pressed
the watch into the girl's hand, saying: "Keep this to remind you
of me."
She laughed and sobbed as she caught it with one hand, while with
the other she held his.
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