“This looks like an interesting place,” observed the Count, “let us explore it.”
“By all means,” answered the Baron. And they walked on with that air of curiosity generally exhibited by strangers when arriving at a place worth seeing.
“Fine trees and shady walks, really my castle scarcely exhibits anything finer; if I marry the fair Isabelle, it’s just the sort of place I should like to possess; but we may pay it a hurried visit,” said the Count.
“Then it is the Vrouw Isabelle on whom your regards are fixed?” observed the Baron.
“It was but a slip of my tongue,” said the Count. “I did not intend to betray my secret.”
“All right, my dear Count; to say the truth, my heart has been captivated by the Vrouw Margaret, so that we shall not be rivals.”
“That is a fortunate circumstance,” observed the Count, in a somewhat supercilious tone. “However, you must remember that we, both of us, have to ascertain the feelings of the ladies; at present we are left somewhat in the dark on that subject.”
“I cannot say that I think so,” answered the Baron, drawing up his shirt-collar. “I flatter myself that the Vrouw Margaret regards me with peculiar distinction.”
“Did I possess more vanity in this case, I might have said the same with regard to Vrouw Isabelle,” said the Count.
“You do, do you!” exclaimed a voice from among the bushes, which made the Count and the Baron start.