"Only to the foot. Till I know you are on the right path," said Reinhold.
"Not a step farther. Hark! What is that?"
He had also noticed it already--a sound as of horses' feet, galloping on the hard turf behind the slope of the hill which rose before them and concealed from them any farther view of the other and more precipitous side. The next moment a rider appeared in sight over the hill. He had now reached the top, and pulling up his horse, rose in his saddle and appeared to be looking round him.
"It is the Count," said Elsa.
A deep glow came into her face. "You must accompany me a little way now," she said, drawing a deep breath. "Come."
She took his arm. At that moment the Count, who had been looking above them, looked down, and saw the pair. He put spurs to his horse, and galloping down the slope, was with them in a trice. He had no doubt recognised Reinhold at once, for when he checked his horse and took off his hat, his countenance did not show the slightest trace of wonder or astonishment. He seemed in fact not to see Reinhold, as if he had met Elsa alone.
"This is good luck indeed. How delighted your aunt will be. She is waiting there; the carriage could not come any farther."
He pointed with the handle of his whip over the slope of the hill.
"I assure you it is so, though you seem so astonished. Your aunt was very uneasy at your long absence--inquired in the neighbourhood--learnt from Pölitz that you had come here--a strange fancy, by Jove!--your aunt was determined to come herself--I had just returned with Fräulein von Wallbach, and begged to escort her--was beginning to despair. Awfully lucky! May I be allowed to accompany you to the carriage? it is not a hundred yards off."
He had swung himself from his saddle, and held his horse by the bridle.