" She took his big, brown hands and gently
pressed them to her lips. "I believe in you, for you worship the Supreme
with your art; and the man who does that, in word or deed, cannot be
wicked."
"And will you always remain true, Marie, till I have perfected myself
and my art, and can return to claim you?"
"Yes, Hans, I will wait for you; and should I die before you return, it
is here under this rosebush, where we have spent so many happy hours,
that I wish to be buried. You must return here to rest, when wearied by
your troubles; and every rose-leaf that falls upon you will be a good
wish from me."
Her tears fell silently, and their hearts were sorely tried by the grief
of parting.
"Don't cry," said Hans, "all will yet be well. I am going to Durer, as
the Emperor bade me. I will learn all that I can; and when I feel I know
something, I will seek the Emperor, wherever he may be, tell him my
desires, and beg him to intercede for me with your father."
"Oh, yes, the Emperor--if he were only here, he would help us."
"Perhaps he will come again," said Hans. "We will pray that he be sent
to us, or I to him."
They sank upon their knees in the cold, soft winter grass; and it seemed
to them as if a miracle would be performed, and the rose-bush be changed
into the Emperor.
There--what was that? The big clock on the church struck slowly,
solemnly, sadly--
The two looked up. "What is it, do you suppose? A fire--enemies,
perhaps? I sense a great calamity," said she.
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