Helena laughed.
“Quite right,” she said. “So do I. Only, unfortunately, Ursula agrees with me. Ursula, you shouldn’t be afraid to say what you think.”
“I?” asked Ursula, proudly. “Yes, I agree with you in one point. I am my father’s child. I think every Dutch soldier who can”—she looked steadily away from Gerard—“should help to blot out the disgrace in Acheen.”
They were standing in a circle; the German twirled his mustache.
“When I go,” said Gerard, softly, “you will have to be very good to the one loving heart I leave behind.” And he turned on his heel.
“Ursula,” exclaimed Helena, “your evening is decidedly dull. Your relations from Bois-le-Duc are estimable people, but your evening is dull. I think I shall go and help the estimable young man on the ladder. Make him take me for the top device of his tree, Herr Graf. Challenge him if he says I am not enough of an angel!”
But other challenges had to be seen to first. Gerard waylaid his antagonist ten minutes later.
“Count Frechenfels,” he said, “you have twice called me a coward in the course of this evening.”
The Prussian drew himself up.
“And once a liar,” continued Gerard.