"Unfortunately, Herr Nordeck has anticipated us," said Paul, hesitatingly. "He has ordered the forester to leave the house with all his servants, and to report at Villica. A German overseer is to be stationed at the boundary until a substitute can be found."
"And what has the forester done?" asked the princess.
"He has refused to obey; he sent back word to the young landlord that you had placed him there, and that whoever wished to drive him away might attempt it."
"And what has my son resolved upon?" asked the princess, her face white with terror.
"He has declared that he will himself ride over there this afternoon."
"Alone?" asked Wanda, who had been an attentive listener to the whole conversation.
"He always rides alone," said Paul.
The princess had seemed lost in revery. "Paul," she said, rousing herself, "have the horses harnessed immediately; you will accompany me to Villica. If anything happens, I must be there."
Paul left to execute the order. The door had scarcely closed behind him, when Wanda was at her aunt's side.
"Did you hear, aunt, that Waldemar intends to go to the border-forester's place?" she asked.