“I did not, but I expect them to return with their mother.”
Crescenz did. Hildegarde did not. And in consequence Zedwitz’s visit to Madame Rosenberg was very short, and he soon adjourned to Hamilton’s room.
“Why, what’s this?” cried Madame Rosenberg, peeping into the coffee-pot. “I do declare, Mr. Hamilton has forgotten to drink his coffee!”
“Let me take it to him,” said Crescenz, advancing towards the table.
“You will do no such thing,” said her step-mother, waving her hastily back. “No such thing—and I think—that is, the Major—but it is not necessary to explain. Call Hildegarde.”
Hildegarde came and was desired to carry the tray to Hamilton’s room.
“May I not send Walburg?”
“You may not, because I have sent her on an errand, and the coffee is too cold to be kept waiting until her return, now that the fire is out in the kitchen.”
“But—but——” hesitated Hildegarde, “Mr. Hamilton is not alone.”
“Count Zedwitz is in his room, but he won’t bite you, so go at once, and don’t be disobliging.”