“I should rather have suspected your sister of having misgivings and warnings, than you,” said Hamilton; “yet she seems to have none.”
“She is governed by her wishes, and Lina Berger; besides, it is not likely that anything unpleasant should occur to her!”
“And to you?” asked Hamilton, surprised.
“Not likely, either,” said Hildegarde, gayly; “for, thank goodness, Oscar must spend the evening with Marie, when they are to be married to-morrow.”
Raimund had been but once at the Rosenbergs’ since the ball, and had played cards the whole evening. Hamilton knew that she had not since spoken to him. Yet, no sooner had she pronounced her cousin’s name, than all his feelings changed; he bit his lip, and walked to the window.
“I wish——” began Hildegarde, but she suddenly stopped, for she recognised Raimund’s voice speaking to her sister in the passage. Hamilton strode across the room.
“Oh, stay! stay, I entreat of you!” she cried, anxiously.
“Do you not wish to be alone with your cousin?”
“No, no, no—that is,” she added, hurriedly, “yes—perhaps it is better——”
“As you please,” said Hamilton, moving again towards the door.