“No,” replied Crescenz; and the smile faded from her features as she added, “Hildegarde was here, on her way to Frankfort.”
“So she is gone—actually gone!” cried Hamilton.
“She left us the day before yesterday. Blazius says he is glad our parting is over, for I could do nothing but cry all the time she was here.”
“And Hildegarde?” asked Hamilton.
“She appeared quite contented with her future prospects, and tried to make me so too.”
“Quite contented,” repeated Hamilton.
“Yes; Blazius says she has not much feeling, and that I am a fool to waste so much affection on her; but he does not know how kind she was to me for so many years at school, helping me out of all my difficulties, and taking my part on all occasions—he has no idea what Hildegarde can do to those she loves!”
“Nor I either,” said Hamilton.
“Of course not,” said Crescenz, smiling, “as she only latterly began to like you; but for ten years she was everything to me! After we left school, indeed, or rather from the time we were at Seon, she changed a good deal, certainly. You know the time that——”
“I know,” said Hamilton.