Helen tore herself from Sophie's arms.
Sophie accompanied her to the carriage. She held her friend's hand firmly in her own, and said: "Let me hear from you, Helen! And, Helen, whatever you do, follow the voice of your warm heart; it is a better counsellor than your cold intellect!"
"I will do so," said Helen, already in the carriage; "you may rely upon it, I will do so. Good-by!"
The servant closed the door; the carriage dashed off. Sophie followed it with her eyes till it had turned the nearest corner, then she went slowly back to the house, her lovely face bent thoughtfully to the ground.
CHAPTER XIII.
In a room in the second story of the Hotel de Russie, Under the Lindens, Berger was closeted that same afternoon with Director Schmenckel. They had had a long interview, and Mr. Schmenckel was just rising to say good-by. Berger rose likewise.
"You know exactly what you have to say?"
"I should think so," replied Mr. Schmenckel, and cleared his throat.
"Had we better go over it once more?"
"Might do no harm," replied Mr. Schmenckel.