"No; Norman has injured his foot, and limps badly; he cannot possibly carry me."
"But Villica is nearly a dozen miles distant from here," said Wanda; "you cannot possibly walk there."
"No other alternative is left me; I must at least take my horse to the nearest village, and leave him there until I can send for him."
"But it will be dark before you reach the castle."
"No matter--I know the way."
Wanda knew that the road to Villica led most of the way through a dense forest full of dangers to the young landlord, who was the object of so much secret hostility.
"Would it not be better for you to take a seat in my sleigh?" she asked, in a low, timid voice, not daring to lift her eyes. "My coachman can take your horse to the village."
Waldemar gazed intently into the young girl's face; her proposition seemed to surprise him greatly.
"No, I thank you; you are doubtless on your way home?"
"Radowicz does not lie far out of your way--you can leave me there, and then take the sleigh and drive home." These words were uttered in a subdued, almost anguished tone. Waldemar let the reins fall slowly, and some moments passed before he replied,--