[CHAPTER VII]
The sun was setting when the Countess Wanda returned from her distant ride. She dismounted at the foot of the terrace-steps and ascended them slowly, with Donau and Neva behind her, both tired and breathless.
'You are safe home, my love?' said the Princess, turning her head towards the steps.
'Yes, dear mother mine; you always, I know, think that Death gets up on the saddle. Is anything amiss? You looked troubled.'
'I have a message for you,' said the Princess with a sigh, and she gave Sabran's.
Wanda von Szalras heard in silence. She showed neither surprise nor regret.
The Princess waited a little.
'Well,' she said, at length, 'well, you do not even ask me why he goes!'
'You say he has been called away,' her niece answered. 'Surely that is reason enough.'