"Well, then I give you up, as you have given me up! Go then, and throw yourself into the arms of that beggar. But no! God be thanked, we have still means to conceal such a disgrace from the world. To-morrow you will pack your things, and day after to-morrow you will go back to school."
A ray of joy broke from Helen's dark eyes, and a slight blush covered her pale cheeks.
"I am perfectly willing to go!"
"But not to Hamburg," said the baroness, and there was cruel irony in her words. "I have had enough of Mary Burton. You will go to Grunwald. I have already written to Miss Bear. She is not quite as indulgent as Madame Bernard, but there is no call for kindness and indulgence now. Go to your room now. At six you will be ready dressed for the ball. Consider once more what you are going to do. I give you time till then. Now you can go."
Helen went to the door without saying a word. As she was about to go out, the old baron entered.
"Where are you going to, my darling?" he said, cordially stretching out his hand towards her.
Helen seized his hand, pressed it to her lips, and said:
"Do not condemn me till you have heard me, papa!"
Then she hastened out of the room.
"What is the matter with the girl?" said the old gentleman, looking after her in astonishment.