"I think I am," he said, but doubtfully. "Please pardon my amazement. Perhaps I'm dreaming. At any rate, I'm dazed."
"We were in the convent together for two years. Now that I observe you closely, you do resemble her. We were very good friends, she and I."
"Then you'll intercede for me?" he urged, with a fervent glance in the direction of the wall.
She smiled joyously. He realised then and there that he had never seen such beautiful teeth, nor any creature so radiantly beautiful, for that matter.
"More than that," she said, "I shall assist you to escape. Come!"
He followed her through the shrubbery, his heart pounding violently. The Prince, who trotted on ahead, had mentioned a Count. Was she married? Was she of the royal blood? What extraordinary fate had made her the friend of his sister? He looked back and saw the two guardsmen crossing the bridge below, their eyes still upon him.
"It's very good of you," he said. She glanced back at him, a quaint smile in her eyes.
"For Adele's sake, if you please. Trespassing is a very serious offence here. How did you get in?"
"I hopped in, over the wall."
"I'd suggest that you do not hop out again. Hopping over the walls is not looked upon with favour by the guards."