“We can but try, then,” said Paulina. “It would help us on our way delightfully. But I’m afraid they won’t believe such shabbily dressed people as you and I; and perhaps they will object to our riding in the fine coach, lest we should soil it, and they get into disgrace with their master. Still, we can but try. After all, if they refuse, we are but where we were.”
“To be sure,” said the man. “Besides, I can offer them my ring as a pledge for the money I promise them, until we reach Igorhof.”
“But as it’s a false stone, they won’t care to take it,” said the child. “And if they believe it real, and accept it for such, that would be deceiving them.”
“Never mind, I can but try,” repeated the man.
“Well, you can try if they’ll take it, when you have owned it to be false; but tell the truth.”
“Never fear; I’ll say nothing but the truth—the exact truth,” said the man, as he advanced toward one of the attendants.
Paulina could not hear exactly what passed between them; but she saw the stranger show the groom his ring. She saw that there was an explanation,—a request made,—and, at length, acquiescence given.
The man returned to her side. “He has consented,” said he, “and has undertaken for his fellows to agree that we shall occupy the empty carriage as far as Igorhof.”
“That will be charming!” exclaimed the child. “I hope they’ll not be long before they set out.”
“Well done, eagerness!” exclaimed the man. “But you forget that I’ve fasted since daybreak, and I must have something to eat. I’ll go into the house, and see what’s to be got.”