Zenza now told them how great a commotion Walpurga's sudden departure had created in their neighborhood. Ever since, the people would talk of nothing else. The folks were all late at church on Sunday, because they had stopped before Walpurga's house and stared at it as if there was something new to be seen, and Hansei had been obliged to show his cow to half the congregation, as if there was something strange about it. But the thoughts of all were of Walpurga; and she also said that it was well known that Walpurga's influence had secured Stasi's betrothed his position as ranger. In spite of Walpurga's protestations that she knew nothing of it, Zenza insisted on her story, and praised her the more for her modesty. The time passed quickly. Countess Irma, her face radiant with joy, brought the king's letter of pardon. Zenza would have fallen on her knees to her and kissed her feet, but Irma held her up and said: "I've something more for you: take this, so that, besides being free, you may be able to get some pleasure." She gave her a gold piece. Old Zenza's eyes sparkled, while she said: "If the gracious princess should ever want any one who'd go through fire and water to serve her, she need only think of Zenza and Thomas." She would have said much more, but Walpurga said: "Thomas is waiting for you at the gate; make haste and go to him." "You see, dear princess, how good she is. She deserves to be happy." "Walpurga," said Mademoiselle Kramer, "you might give the woman the money for your husband." "I'll take it for you." "No, I'll send it. I must wait awhile," said Walpurga hesitating. She could not well explain that she distrusted both Zenza and her son. "Here," said Irma, handing Zenza the little golden heart which she wore; "take this to Walpurga's child, from me." Then, removing her silk kerchief, she added, "give her this, too." "Oh, what a lovely neck!" exclaimed Zenza. Walpurga again reminded her that she had better return to her son. Irma felt happy to think that she had brought about the pardon. Walpurga was afraid to tell them Zenza was a stranger to her and that she almost hated her; or that Red Thomas was one of the worst men in their neighborhood. She consoled herself with the thought that all would yet be well. Bad men can grow better, or else all talk of repentance would be mere lies and deceit. In the mean while, Zenza, holding the pardon on high, had hurried out of the palace. "Is my reckoning settled?" asked Thomas, spitting as far as he could. "Yes, thank God! See what a mother can do." "I don't owe you much thanks for that, what did you bring me into the world for? But the best of it all is it's a slap in the face for the great snarling country justice. Now, mother, I'm as thirsty as three bailiff's clerks. Waiting has almost used me up. Have you anything more about you?" "Of course I have; just look." She showed him the gold piece, which he most dexterously removed from her hand and into his pocket.