"Of returning?" echoed Waldemar, as in a dream. "Why so soon?"
The young girl rose quickly as if to flee from some painful emotion. "We must reach home before dusk," she said, "or my aunt will never forgive me for this excursion."
"I will be responsible to my mother; still, if you wish to return immediately--"
"O, yes; please let us go!"
The young man started for the boat, and then paused suddenly:--
"Wanda, you intend to leave in a few days, do you not?"
He asked this question in a strangely excited tone, and Wanda's voice lacked its usual composure, as she replied,--
"I must go to my father, we have been so long separated."
"My mother and Leo are going to Villica--" Here Waldemar hesitated and gasped for breath. "There is some talk of my accompanying them. May I?"
"Why do you ask me?" replied Wanda, with an embarrassment very unusual to her. "It is for you to decide whether you will visit your estates."