I had arisen, and the governess also arose, swung the long train of her riding-habit boldly over her left arm, and said, leaning on my right:
"Richard, do not go to Rossow: evil will come of it: trust me; I have Cassandra's foreboding spirit."
"I am, though from other motives, little inclined to go," I replied; "but I am resolved to do my duty and keep the promise I made to the commerzienrath, whether he asked it with a good or an evil intention, and be the consequences what they may."
"'I like the Spaniard proud,'" replied Fräulein Duff with an enthusiastic look, "but it is not always the haughty one who brings home the bride; the crafty one often reaches the goal. 'The monarch's pampered minion seeks her hand--' do you not fear Arthur?"
"To fear, in such cases, one must either hope or wish: I am not aware that I have indulged in either feeling."
Fräulein Duff in sudden terror drew her arm from mine, stopped and exclaimed:
"Great heavens, what do I hear! How am I to understand you? O Roderick, by all our hopes of bliss hereafter I adjure you--do you not love her then? Do you really love Paula, as that insidious Arthur is ever whispering in her ear?"
I was spared the necessity of answering this very ticklish question, for at this moment William appeared, calling me, and saying that the Rossow carriage had been waiting for me half an hour, and that he had been looking for me everywhere.
"Good-by, Fräulein Duff," I said.
"And no answer? None?" cried the governess with a look of agonized expectation.