"Well, I must tell you that the day before yesterday your aunt came to see my mother while I was away, and there and then formally requested my hand in marriage for the noble Count Daniel Kiusko. My mother related this to me this morning, when I got up."
"And what did you answer her?"
"Oh, I laughed at first, and then I told mamma that she must inform you at once, so that you may decide upon the manner in which she shall repulse the enemy."
"That's simple enough," said I. "She has only to tell my aunt, when next she calls, that she has consulted you."
"Is it as simple as that?"
"Certainly," I said, with a feeling of annoyance at the idea that she knew of Daniel's love. "Is it not solely your will that has to be consulted?"
Kondjé-Gul regarded me with astonishment.
"My will?" she said. "Good heavens! do you love me no longer?"
"Why should you imagine I love you no longer?" I answered.
"One might suppose that you wished to remind me of that horrible liberty which I am so much afraid of."