Runeck seemed to think this project something unheard of, he looked doubtingly and in surprise upon the young lady, who replied in a haughty tone:
"Why, yes! I should like just for once to stand on such a dizzy height, immediately above that abrupt precipice. It must be a thrillingly sweet sensation! Eric was horrified at the bare idea."
"Cecilia, you torture me with such jests!"
"How do you know that it is a jest? And suppose I act upon it in earnest--would you go with me?"
"I?" The young man looked as if he thought they expected him to jump down from the cliff in question. About the lips of his betrothed played a half-compassionate, half-contemptuous smile; almost imperceptibly she elevated her shoulders.
"Compose yourself, pray! I shall not demand such a proof of love--I would go alone."
"Let me implore you, Cecile, not to think of such a thing!" exclaimed Eric, now alarmed in good earnest, but Egbert interrupted him with quiet decision.
"You need not disturb yourself on that score. That is no path for the dainty feet of a lady to tread. Baroness Wildenrod will hardly make the attempt, and, if she should do so, she would give it up again in five minutes."
"Cecilia tossed her head, and her eyes flashed as she asked in a peculiar tone:
"Are you so certain of that, Herr Runeck?"