"You are not? Then—you guessed, yesterday?"
"I knew—at Heiligengelt. But I wish I need not tell you."
Silence between them for a moment, while Maximilian digested her answer, slowly realizing what it meant. He remembered the bread and ham; the cow, and the rücksacks; he remembered everything and laughed out, boyishly.
"You knew, at Heiligengelt! But not on the mountain when——"
"Yes, I knew even then. It was only a chance—the same adventure might have happened to hundreds of people without their guessing. But I had happened to hear that you went there sometimes, and I had seen many of your pictures—so, when I met a man, I—oh, I wish you had not asked me!"
"Why?"
"Because—one might have to be afraid of an Emperor if he were angry."
"Do I look angry?"
Their eyes met, and dwelt, laughing at first, then probing unexpected 124 depths which drove away all thought of laughter. Something that seemed alive and independent of control leaped in Maximilian's breast. He shut his lips tightly. Both forgot that a question had been asked, though it was Sylvia who spoke first since it is easier for a woman than for a man to hide feeling behind conventionality.
"I wonder you kept the ring—after all my rudeness."