ill not leave Burgundy within one
month from this day, unless I give you permission."

"I cannot grant you that promise, Fraeulein," answered Max.

"Ah, but you must, you shall," cried Yolanda, desperately clutching his
huge arms with her small hands and clinging to him. "I will scream, I
will waken the town. I will not leave you, and you shall not shake me
off till I have your promise. I may not give you my reasons, but trust
me, Max, trust me. Give me your unquestioning faith for once. I am not a
fool, Max, nor would I lie to you for all the world, in telling you that
it is best for you to give me the promise. Believe me, while there may
be risk to me in what I ask, it is best that you grant it, and that you
remain in Peronne for a month--perhaps for two months, unless I sooner
tell you to go."

"I may not give you the promise you ask, Fraeulein," answered Max,
desperately. "You must know how gladly I would remain here forever."

"I believe truly you want to stay," she answered demurely, "else I
surely would not ask this promise of you. Your unspoken words have been
more eloquent than any vows your lips could coin, and I know what is in
your heart, else my boldness would have been beyond excusing. What I
wish is that your desire should be great enough to keep you when I ask
you to remain."

"I may not think of myself or my own desires, Fraeulein," he answered.
"Like the lady of Burgundy, I was shackled at my birth."

"The lady of Burgundy is ever in your mind," Yolanda retorted sullenly.
"You would give this promise quickly enough were she asking it--she
with her vast estate."

There was an angry gleam in the girl's eyes, and a dark cloud of
unmistakable jealousy on her face. She stepped back from Max and hung
her head. After a moment of silence she said:--

"You may answer me to-morrow night at this bridge, Sir Max. If you do
not see fit to give me the promise, then I shall weary you no further
with importunity, and you may go your way."

There was a touch of coldness in her voice as she turned and walked
slowly toward the bridge. Max called softly:--

"Yolanda!"

She did not answer, but continued with slow steps and drooping head. As
her form was fading into the black shadow of the castle wall he ran
across the bridge to her, and took her hand:--

"Fraeulein, I will be at the bridge to-morrow night, and I will try to
give the promise you ask of me."

CHAPTER IX

THE GREAT RIDDLE

Max was caut