I racked my brain for some sentence that would convey some assurance of my wish to serve her; but I could find no words that pleased me; and after a pause, that to me was awkward enough, she added:
"You are now my only relative in the world except my dear aunt here, the Baroness Gratz."
The old lady made me a very stately and ceremonious bow, which I returned with such courtesy as I could command.
"A great heritage has come to you, sir, and a trust that must test to the utmost one so young in years," she said.
"My one life-purpose shall be to prove worthy of it," I answered earnestly; and I thought the girl's eyes lightened a little at the words.
"We were alarmed, sir, when we heard that you were unwilling to come," said the baroness.
"I am here, madam, to remove that alarm."
"The future fortunes of this noble house rest largely in your hands, as well as those of this sweet child. You know that?" she asked in reply.
"I know little as yet; but in all I shall strive earnestly to win the confidence of you both."
"You will have mine, cousin," said the girl, impulsively and almost eagerly, as it seemed to me. "And at the earliest moment I wish to tell you all that is in my thoughts and to ask your help."