"There is no need for you to say that to me," returned Minna warmly.
"There is very great need, indeed. You have been the victim of this man's villany."
"There has been no villany—except, perhaps, that which you and the Count von Nauheim attempted yesterday, and cousin Hans succeeded in foiling."
"Cousin Hans, indeed. Poor child; it's only your own obstinacy which prevents your seeing that this man is a wicked impostor who has——"
"Pardon me, baroness——" I began, when she turned on me.
"I will not pardon you nor allow you to speak to me or to the poor girl whom you have so shamefully deceived. But you are unmasked at last, and will be punished as you deserve. Come, Minna. You are to come with me."
At that moment the police official who had travelled with us came forward with another man, who said:
"The countess is to go to her own house here with this lady; and you are to accompany me, if you please."
"As you will," I answered.
At that the tears forced themselves into Minna's eyes, and she came very close to me and gave me her hand.