Thus, then, we left them: the old woman terrified,
amazed, doubtful; the girl with ruddy cheeks and shining eyes,
clasping in her two hands the keepsake that the king himself had
given her.
Bernenstein had more presence of mind than I. He ran forward, got
in front of both of us, and flung the door open. Then, bowing
very low, he stood aside to let Rudolf pass. The street was full
from end to end now, and a mighty shout of welcome rose from
thousands of throats. Hats and handkerchiefs were waved in mad
exultation and triumphant loyalty. The tidings of the king's
escape had flashed through the city, and all were there to do him
honor. They had seized some gentleman's landau and taken out the
horses. The carriage stood now before the doors of the house.
Rudolf had waited a moment on the threshold, lifting his hat once
or twice; his face was perfectly calm, and I saw no trembling in
his hands. In an instant a dozen arms took gentle hold of him and
impelled him forward. He mounted into the carriage; Bernenstein
and I followed, with bare heads, and sat on the back seat, facing
him. The people were round as thick as bees, and it seemed as
though we could not move without crushing somebody.
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