"'Can you tell me anything about the other?' she asked, and a slight blush seemed to mantle her face, as if she were ashamed of the question.
"'Very little,' I replied; 'he is not a member of our Brotherhood; but he is a brave man, and the friend of Mr. Maximilian can not be a bad man.'
"'No,' she said, thoughtfully; 'he is of a good and noble nature, and it is in him I trust.'
"'But,' said I, 'I must leave you, or the Prince will wonder at my long absence.'
"As I took my departure I heard her locking the door behind me. I reported to the Prince that Miss Washington was quite ill, and confined to her bed, but that she hoped to do herself the honor of calling upon him the next day. He looked glum, but assented. Upon leaving him, I called upon Frederika and requested her to come to my room. In a few moments she appeared. After seating her I said:
"'Miss Frederika, will you pardon me if I ask you a few questions upon matters of importance to both of us?'
"'Certainly,' she replied.
"'In the first place,' I said, 'you regard me as your friend, do you not? Have I not always shown a disposition to serve you?'
"She replied with some pleasant smiles and assurances of friendship.
"'Now let me ask you another question,' I continued. 'Do you entertain friendly sentiments to Miss Estella?"