He threw his head back defiantly. "No, I cannot, as it pained me, and therefore I cannot get over it, even until this moment."
"Pained you?" repeated Ella. "Can, indeed, anything pain you, Hugo?"
"That is to say, in other words--'have you then indeed a heart, Hugo?' Oh, no, I do not possess such an article at all; I came off badly at the distribution of the same; you must surely have discovered that."
"I do not mean that," interposed Ella, "I give you all credit for the warmest feelings."
"But no earnestness, no depth?"
"No."
Captain Almbach looked at her silently for a few seconds; at last he said softly--
"Was it necessary, Ella, to give me such a harsh lesson, because T ventured lately to kiss your hand, which perhaps displeased you? I know what this 'No' means. You see I understand hints, and shall take note of to-day's. You need not be afraid."
A slight blush passed over Ella's features, as she saw that he understood her. "I did not wish to wound you, indeed not," she answered, and put her hand out heartily, but Hugo stood obstinately averted, and appeared not to notice it.
"Are you angry with me?" she asked. It was a touchingly-beseeching tone, and it did not fail in its intention. Captain Almbach turned round suddenly, and caught her offered hand, but in his answer excitement and the old love of teasing struggled again, and were suppressed with difficulty, as he replied--