Gretchen showed signs of embarrassment, and her
eyes were studiously fixed on the cracks which yawned here and there in
the floor. My hands fell unnoticed.
"You have been looking for us?" she asked in even tones. "Why have
you?"
Vaguely I gazed at her, at the innkeeper, then at my traps in the
corner. It was apparent that I was an intruder. I struck my forehead
in anger and despair. Triple fool that I was! I was nothing to her.
She had told me so, and I had not believed.
"Yes; why?" asked the innkeeper, turning around.
"I believe," said I, my voice trembling, "that I am an unwelcome guest.
Is it not so?"
"Oh, as for that," said the innkeeper, observing Gretchen, "this is a
public inn, on the highway. All wayfarers are of necessity welcome."
"Go, then, and prepare me a supper," said I. "I am indeed hungry,
having journeyed far." I wanted him out of the room.
The innkeeper appeared not to have the slightest intention of leaving
the room to do my bidding.
"Yes, Hermann," said Gretchen, coloring, "go and prepare Herr
Winthrop's supper."
"Thank you," said I, with a dismal effort to be ironical.
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