“My servants have probably told you my name. No? It is Irromar, Count Irromar, and this, my principal place of residence, is called the Schloss Teufelswald.”
Ludovic accepted the information with a bow, and some inward congratulation that their identity was not likely to be known to this secluded nobleman. Irromar? The name, though, seemed not unfamiliar.
The Count’s deep voice interrupted his attempt to recall it.
“And now, may I know whom I have the honour of entertaining?”
Ludovic gave the name he had assumed during his incognito, presenting Ruperta as his sister, changing Minna’s title to simple Fräulein, and giving Ompertz alone his actual designation. During the introduction the Count’s eyes rested rather longer on Ruperta’s face than Ludovic liked, and their expression seemed to have something in it which exceeded greeting; but then that was natural. She was a queen among women, and might have come, no doubt, as a revelation to this mountain-dweller.
“We are in haste to push on with our journey,” Ludovic said. “If we might beg the loan of a carriage, our horses are still fresh, and——”
The Count made a quick gesture of protest. “It is not to be thought of, my dear sir. As to the carriage, why, the whole of my stable would be at your service, were I cruel enough to allow you to leave my roof this wild night.”
“Nevertheless, I should be glad if you would permit us to continue on our way,” Ludovic persisted. “We have lost too much time already.”
The Count smiled. “Which you will certainly not recover by starting before morning. What, Lieutenant,” he added in an easy tone of masterful remonstrance, “it would be nothing less than an outrage to drag these ladies out again into the storm and darkness. They are fatigued enough already, one can see.”
Ruperta spoke a word to second Ludovic’s urging; but their host would not hear of their departure.