"Ah, Dio mio!" she cried, "but I am hungry!"
Italian, then. There was a strange medley of nationalities in this German forest corner.
The fixity of the young man's gaze suddenly drew the lady's attention. She looked at him: surprise, interest, then an adorable smile appeared on her countenance. It was almost an invitation. Besides, was it not meet that the only gentleman of the party should entertain the only lady? With his heart beating in his throat, he took two steps forward. The three foresters had drawn apart and were whispering together with furtive glances in his direction; but he was not likely to notice this when such lovely eyes were upon him. She dropped her handkerchief. He rushed to pick it up. As she took it from his fingers, he gave them ever so slight a pressure.
(Oh, Geiger-Hans, Singer of Youth, hadst thou foreseen this rapturous moment?)
"A thousand graces," murmured she. The graces! they were all her own.
"Permit me to introduce myself," he stammered.
But the inspector cut him short with a strident voice.
"The gentleman must be fatigued," he cried.
Steven started angrily. To one side of him stood Forester Schmidt, to the other, Forester Friedel.
"I will show the gracious gentleman the way to his repose," said the latter in his ear, with subdued, yet warning tone.