"And hast thou no shame," she demanded, "to be seen trifling with the girl?"
"Shame?" he echoed. "Why should I have?"
"Nor any fear of my displeasure?"
"Thy displeasure?" he repeated. "Why shouldst thou be displeased?"
She regarded him in silence a moment; and as she did not speak, he continued:
"Surely thou canst not be jealous of a serving-wench?"
She drew herself up proudly, all the blood of her ancestors aflame in her clear pale cheek.
"The Von Rittenbergs are jealous neither of serving-wenches nor on account of strangers," she returned haughtily.
Albrecht looked at her in a perplexity that it was impossible not to believe genuine.
"Then what is my offence?" he asked. "I did but kiss the maid. I meant her no harm. Why should not one kiss a smooth cheek if it likes him?"