"I do not know, mein Fräulein," began he, "whether you will allow me to renew a former acquaintanceship. I can scarcely hope so after the way in which you returned my greeting."
"You would oblige me, Herr Graf, if you would forget this acquaintanceship."
But Hermann was not prepared for such a repulse as this, she involuntarily irritated him, and just as he had hitherto hesitated as to whether he should approach her, so now he felt inclined to continue the conversation in spite of all.
"As you wish; but before we begin to ignore one another, allow me to inform you of something which you are surely not aware of, and which might be painful for you to experience were you unprepared for it."
"I know to what you refer!"
"You know, and--?" Hermann's eyes completed the question, which his lips could not ask--"and you remain here?"
Gertrud's countenance became a shade paler, but she remained unmoveable.
"You forget, Herr Graf, that I am in a dependent position here. I have already requested the Frau Baronin to allow me some weeks' absence, but she thinks that the children need my superintendence, and refused my request. I must therefore stay."
"If you will accept of my mediation," said Hermann, quickly, "I will go at once to my aunt, and secure you the fulfilment of your wish."
"No, thank you, Herr Graf; I wish for your interference least of all."