"Only for a minute," replied Waldemar. "I only wanted to tell you that it will not be possible for me to accompany you and Leo to Wilicza, as we had agreed."
"Why? Are difficulties placed in your way?"
"Yes," said the young man, impatiently. "There are, it appears, certain formalities to be gone through, relating to my coming of age, at which I am bound to be present. My father's will gives most decided directions on the subject. Neither my uncle Witold nor I ever thought about it; and now, just when I want to go, the notice has come. I shall have to stay here for the present."
"Well, in that case, we will put off our journey also," said the Princess, "and I must send Wanda to Rakowicz alone."
"On no account," returned Waldemar, with much decision. "I have already written to Wilicza to say that you will arrive in the course of a few days, and that the necessary preparations are to be made at the castle."
"And you?"
"I shall come as soon as I am at liberty. Anyway, I shall spend a few weeks with you before I go to the University."
"One more question, Waldemar," said the Princess, gravely. "Does your ex-guardian know of these arrangements?"
"No, I have only spoken of my visit to Wilicza, so far."
"Then you will have to tell him of our intended sojourn there."