e air did not agree with me, and I prize my
health above all things. I didn't feel well from the first, so at last I
resolved--"

"To break loose," interrupted the head forester. "That was very like
your highness, but how will you calm your kinsfolk at Court?"

"Oh, well, I can make it all right with them if they feel aggrieved. As
far as that goes," continued the prince, with seeming frankness, "I made
up my mind last winter to spend part of the summer here, and when
Stadinger wrote me that some alterations were going on, I determined to
come on to Rodeck myself to superintend them."

"Superintend the putting up of a new chimney?" questioned the head
forester in surprise. "The old one smoked last winter, so Stadinger
determined to put in a new one, but that don't require any attention
from you."

"What does Stadinger know about it ?" said the prince angrily. He wished
the "old bear" would hold his tongue about what went on at Rodeck. "I
have many changes in view. We are pretty near our destination, I see."

With that he started his horse on at a faster gait, and the head
forester followed his example, for Ostwalden lay before them. The great
building which Herr von Wallmoden would have made so magnificent, had he
lived, was an old, rambling castle, with two high towers, one on either
side, which gave the building a very picturesque appearance, surrounded
as it was by a wild, partially overgrown park. The present mistress of
the place, so it was said, intended to make few changes, but she would
not sell the place. What mattered a country-seat more or less to the
heiress of the Stahlberg millions.

The gentlemen found on their arrival that Frau von Wallmoden was walking
in the park, and Frau von Eschenhagen was in her room. The young prince
announced that he would seek the lady of the house, while the head
forester turned his steps toward his sister-in-law's room.

He had not seen Regine since the previous winter. As he entered the room
he said in his wonted hearty manner:

"Here I am. I didn't think it worth while being announced to my
sister-in-law, although she does avoid my house with contempt. I don't
believe in hunting pretexts for quarrels, so have ridden over in this
hot sun to have an explanation."

Regine reached out her hand to him. A passing glance would reveal no
change in her in these last six or seven months; she was the same
strong, determined woman as ever. But there was a change, nevertheless.