"Our guests are not in the habit of kissing us."
"No one has kissed you, tante," retorted Yolanda, "nor do they intend to do so. Do not fear. I--I brought it on myself, and if I do not complain, you may bear up under it."
"It certainly is unusual to--" began the frau.
"Tante," cried Yolanda, flushing angrily and stamping her foot. Tante was silent.
"Your words night before last brought marvellous comfort to us, Fräulein," said Max. "Where were you, and how--"
"My words? Night before last?" asked Yolanda, in open-eyed wonder, "I have not seen you since three weeks ago."
"You called to me in my prison in the tower," said Max. "You called to me by the name you sometimes use."
"Ah, that is wonderful," exclaimed Yolanda. "I wakened myself night before last calling your name, and telling you not to fear. I was dreaming that you were in danger, but I also dreamed that you would soon be free. Can it be possible that the voice of a dreamer can travel to a distance and penetrate stone walls? You almost make me fear myself by telling me that you heard my call."
Like most persons, Max loved the mysterious, so he at once became greatly interested. He would have discussed the subject further had not Yolanda turned to me, saying:--
"Ah, I have not greeted Sir Karl."