The desperation of the young man plainly showed how deep was the passion for his young playmate that stirred in his heart.
Stettin had become very serious.
"That would certainly be Wildenrod's master-stroke," said he, with knitted brow. "So, it was not enough for him to share his sister's portion, but he must needs win the Odensburg millions for himself! There is still time for opening Herr Dernburg's eyes--his daughter shall not become the prey of this adventurer."
"An adventurer! Baron von Wildenrod!"
"He became so when fortune and splendor deserted his house. Perhaps fate had as much to do with it as guilt--never mind! He has forfeited the right to connect himself with an honorable family."
"And were you aware of this that time at Nice, and did you keep silence?" asked the young Count with bitter reproach in his tone.
"Was I to turn informer? And for the sake of whom? What right had I to force myself upon the confidence of a strange family? At that time what were these Dernburgs to me? One does not expose to public odium the son of a man at whose house you had been received as a friend for long years, without stringent necessity--and in this case I refrained."
"But you might have warned Eric in some way!"
"No warning would have availed at that period. If Eric had wanted to see--the double part that his future brother-in-law played was known all through Nice: I was not the only knowing one. But he walked blindly into the snare spread for him. But comfort yourself. Now when I know how close to your heart his sister is, no consideration shall hinder his exposure."
"Yes, Maia must be protected from this man, cost what it will!" cried Victor impetuously. "Uncle, I have concealed nothing from you, now; be as candid towards me! Who and what is this Wildenrod?"