At the sound of her voice an officer in uniform, who was passing, turned and looked into the child's face, then glanced from her to the Baroness, who waved her hand in greeting. He doffed his cap and then came to the carriage.
"Good morning, Count. It is long since I have seen you in Buda-Pest. Are you not marching to-day?" the Baroness said.
"No, Madame." The officer had a kind face, but it seemed very sad to Marushka. She thought she had seen him before, but did not remember where until Banda Bela whispered that it was the officer who had given them money for Marushka's top boots at the fair.
"I was on duty at the palace this morning, but am returning home at once. My wife is not very well," he said.
"It is long since I have seen her. Will she receive me if I drive out to your home?" the Baroness asked.
"She will be glad to see you," he said, "though she sees but few since her ill health."
"I shall drive out to-day with these little folk, to whom I am showing the sights," said the Baroness.
The count's eyes fell upon Banda Bela, and he gave a quick smile.
"Why, this is the little genius who played the violin so wonderfully well down at the village fair," he said; and Banda Bela smiled, well pleased at being remembered.