"There is Furstenstein," said Hartmut, turning for the first time to his companion, "although it will be about half an hour's walk from here."
"That is of no consequence," she interrupted him quickly. "I am very grateful to you for your guidance, but I cannot now miss the road, and I should not like to trouble you further."
"As you wish, gracious Fraulein," Rojanow said, coldly. "If you desire to dismiss your guide here he will not force himself upon you."
The reproach was understood. The young lady herself might feel that a man who had guided her through the forest for hours might well deserve a different dismissal, even if she found it necessary to keep him at a distance.
"I have already detained you too long," she said graciously, "and since you have introduced yourself, Herr Rojanow, let me give you my name also before we part--Adelaide von Wallmoden."
Hartmut started slightly and a burning blush covered his face as he repeated slowly, "Wallmoden!"
"Is the name familiar to you?"
"I believe I have heard it before, but it was in--in North Germany."
"Most probably, for that is my husband's home."
Unmistakable surprise was depicted in Rojanow's face as the supposed young girl announced herself a married woman, but he bowed politely.