Colonel Von Wallenstein curled his mustaches. It was a happy thought that had taken him into the Adlergasse. This Gretchen had been haunting his dreams, and here she was, coming into his very arms, as it were. The sidewalk was narrow. Gretchen, casually noting that an officer stood in the way, sensibly veered into the road. But to her surprise the soldier left the sidewalk and planted himself in the middle of the road. There was no mistaking this second maneuver. The officer, whom she now recognized, was bent on intercepting her. She stopped, a cold fury in her heart.
To make sure, she essayed to go round. It was of no use. So she stopped again.
"Herr," she said quietly, "I wish to pass."
"That is possible, Gretchen."
It was nine o'clock in the morning. The Adlergasse was at this time deserted.
"Will you stand aside?"
"You have been haunting my dreams, Gretchen."
"That would be a pity. But I wish to pass."
"Presently. Do you know that you are the most beautiful being in all Dreiberg?"
"I am in a hurry," said Gretchen.
"There is plenty of time."
"Not to listen to foolish speeches."
"I am not going to let you pass till I have had a kiss."
"Ah!" Battle flamed up in Gretchen's eyes. Somewhere in the past, in some remote age, her forebears had been men-at-arms or knights in the crusades.
"You are very hard to please. Some women--"
"But what kind of women?" bitingly. "Not such as I should care to meet. Will you let me by peacefully?"
"After the toll, after the toll!"
Too late she started to run. He laughed and caught hold of her. Slowly but irresistibly he drew her toward his heart. The dead-white of her face should have warned him. With a supreme effort she freed herself and struck him across the face; and there was a man's strength in the flat of her hand. Quick as a flash she whirled round and ran up the street, he hot upon her heels. He was raging now with pain and chagrin. The one hope for Gretchen now lay in the Black Eagle; and into the tavern she darted excitedly.
"Fräu Bauer," she cried, gasping as much in wrath as for lack of breath, "may I come behind your counter?"
"To be sure, child. Whatever is the matter?"
Wallenstein's entrance was answer sufficient. His hand, held against his stinging cheek, was telltale enough for the proprietress of the Black Eagle.
"Shame!" she cried. She knew her rights. She was not afraid to speak plainly to any officer in the duchy, however high he might be placed.