Then the count thrust the letter into his pocket, and without a word drew the young girl's hand through his arm, and walked swiftly with her into the castle. The count conducted his charge into the library. He had not yet spoken a word. His face was startlingly pale with anger and terror.
When they two were alone within the four walls of the library, he said, fixing a reproachful glance on her:
"You were going to send a letter to some one?"
The young girl calmly returned his glance, but did not open her lips.
"To whom are you writing, Marie?"
Marie smiled sadly, and drooped her head.
Vavel then drew the letter from his pocket, and read the address:
"To our beautiful and kind-hearted neighbor."
The count looked up in surprise.
"You are writing to Baroness Landsknechtsschild!" he exclaimed, not without some confusion.