“What plots? What men? Good father, in a few days I shall have solved the mystery; then you shall know all that I know. I must start off again to-night.”
“What!” cried the old man, “can you spare me but a few hours? Where are you going? Why are you going, my dear son?”
“You have sometimes allowed me, my noble father, to perform a praiseworthy act in secret.”
“Yes, my brave boy; but you are going without knowing why, and you know what an important affair requires your presence here.”
“My father has given me a month to consider the matter, and I shall devote that time to the interests of another. A good deed is often fruitful in good advice. Besides, we will see about it on my return.”
“How!” anxiously asked the general; “don’t you like this match? They say that Ulrica d’Ahlefeld is very beautiful. Tell me, have you seen her?”
“I believe I have,” said Ordener. “Yes, I believe that she is handsome.”
“Well?” rejoined the governor.
“Well,” said Ordener, “she will never be my wife.”
These cold, decisive words startled the general as if he had received a violent blow. He recalled the suspicions of the haughty countess.