"So you are at your old tricks again?" laughed the baron.
"How would you like it, were you a princess, for instance, to see behind your chair a maid who looked your picture, in short petticoats and linen neckerchief."
"Well, we will protect her against that. But I am very pleased with this boy of mine who brings guests without forewarning
us!"
"I am glad my forecast affords you pleasure, my dear baron; and, if you meant to properly greet the coming guest, you have not a minute to lose."
The baron shook his head like the most incredulous of beings, and as the two were near the dwelling part of the baron's daughter, he called out to her to impart the stranger's predictions.
This was the call which brought her to the window despite herself, and she saw Balsamo. He bowed deeply to her while fixing his eyes upon her. She reeled and had to catch the sill not to fall.
"Good-morning, my lord," she answered.
She uttered these words at the very moment when Nicole, telling the baron that his daughter would not come, stopped stupefied and with gaping mouth at this capricious contradiction.
Instantly Andrea fell on a chair, all her powers quitting her. Balsamo had gazed on her to the last.