"Before you go, I would like to speak with you a few moments. I have something of importance to say to you."
"Will it not answer just as well after our return?" asked Waldemar, impatiently.
"I desire to speak with you alone," the princess replied. "You will still be in time for the sail; it can be postponed for a quarter of an hour."
Young Nordeck showed great annoyance at this request, and accepted his mother's invitation to be seated with evident reluctance. It was impossible to fix his attention, for his eyes constantly turned to the window near which he sat, and which commanded a view of the sea-shore.
"Our sojourn in C---- is drawing to a close," the princess began; "we must soon think of departure."
Waldemar seemed unpleasantly surprised. "So soon?" he said. "September promises to be fine; why not pass it here?"
"I must leave on Wanda's account. I cannot ask my brother to remain much longer separated from his darling. He consented to leave her with me for a short time after his own departure only on condition of my taking her home in person, and the time allotted for her stay is nearly expired."
"His estate lies quite near Villica--does it not?" asked Waldemar, eagerly.
"It is only an hour's drive from there; about half as far as Altenhof is from here."
The young man's face lighted up for a moment; then he gazed uneasily out of the window,--the strand had powerful attractions for him to-day.