The lackey leaped from the box and came to the carriage window.
"Your ladyship, I am afraid we have lost our way."
"Well, what of that?" said the Countess; "we can't stop here; there's a road in front of us, I suppose, and we are bound to arrive somewhere if we only follow it."
"Yes, but——"
"Yes, but—what do you mean? The road must lead somewhere, I suppose?"
"Saving your ladyship's presence, we are in the Szalenta wood."
"Well, the Szalenta wood is no trackless wilderness. We shall get to the end of it in a couple of hours."
"Yes, your ladyship, but the coachman is afraid."
"The coachman! What business has he to be afraid? there's nothing about that in his contract, is there?"
"He's afraid of some mischief befalling your ladyship."