"Does it appear to you that Dr. Fabian is a person to inspire respect?"
"Not exactly; but he seems very forbearing and good-natured."
The young man looked contemptuous.
"Perhaps so; but those are qualities I do not particularly value."
"One should tyrannise well over you if one wishes to inspire respect?" said Wanda, with an arch glance up at him.
Waldemar drew forward a chair, and sat down by her side. "It all depends upon who plays the tyrant. I would not advise any one at Altenhof to try it, not even Uncle Witold, and here I only stand it from one person."
"Who knows!" cried Wanda, lightly. "I should not care to make you angry in real earnest."
He made no reply. His thoughts had evidently wandered from the conversation, and were following another track.
"Did not you think it was very beautiful on the Beech Holm the day before yesterday?" he asked suddenly, with a brusque transition.
A slight blush rose to the young Countess's cheeks, but she answered in her former sprightly tone--