Meantime he had entered, and she called his name.

"Maria, child, are you there!" he shouted, rushed up the steps as nimbly as a youth, met her on one of the upper stairs and drew her with overflowing tenderness to his heart.
"At last, at last, I have you again!" he cried joyously, pressing his lips to her eyes and her fragrant hair.

She had clasped her hands closely around his neck, but he released himself, held them in his, and asked: "Are Barbara and Adrian at home ?" She shook her head.
The burgomaster laughed, stooped, lifted her up like a child, and carried her into his room.

As a beautiful tree beside a burning house is seized by the neighboring flames, although immediately protected with cold water, Maria, in spite of her long-cherished resolve to receive him coolly, was overwhelmed by the warmth of her husband's feelings.

She cordially rejoiced in having him once more, and willingly believed him, as he told her in loving words how painfully he had felt their separation, how sorely he had missed her, and how distinctly he, who usually lacked the ability to remember an absent person, had had her image before his eyes.
How warmly, with what convincing tones he understood how to give expression to his love to-day! She was still a happy wife, and showed him that she was without reserve.
Barbara and Adrian returned home, and there was now much to tell at the evening meal.