"I did not expect to see you so soon," he began. "A woman's curiosity sometimes has its value. It takes little to arouse it, but a great deal to allay it."
"You have not summoned me to make smart speeches, simply because I have been educated up to them?"—truculently.
"No. I have not summoned you to talk smart, a word much in evidence in Barscheit since your return from England. For once I am going to use a woman's prerogative. I have changed my mind."
The Princess Hildegarde trembled with delight. She could put but one meaning to his words.
"The marriage will not take place next month."
"Uncle!"—rapturously.
"Wait a moment,"—grimly. "It shall take place next week."
"I warn you not to force me to the altar," cried the girl, trembling this time with a cold fury.
"My child, you are too young in spirit and too old in mind to be allowed a gateless pasture. In harness you will do very well." He took up his pipe and primed it. It was rather embarrassing to look the girl in the eye. "You shall wed Doppelkinn next week."
"You will find it rather embarrassing to drag me to the altar,"—evenly.