nflagration was concealed by intervening
hills. Frau von Rosen did not sleep well; she was seriously uneasy as to
the results of her delightful evening, and saw herself condemned to
quite a lengthy sojourn in her deserts and a long defensive
correspondence, ere she could venture to return to Gondremark. On the
other hand, she examined, by way of pastime, the deeds she had received
from Otto; and even here saw cause for disappointment. In these
troublous days she had no taste for landed property, and she was
convinced, besides, that Otto had paid dearer than the farm was worth.
Lastly, the order for the Prince's release fairly burned her meddling
fingers.

All things considered, the next day beheld an elegant and beautiful
lady, in a riding-habit and a flapping hat, draw bridle at the gate of
the Felsenburg, not perhaps with any clear idea of her purpose, but with
her usual experimental views on life. Governor Gordon, summoned to the
gate, welcomed the omnipotent Countess with his most gallant bearing,
though it was wonderful how old he looked in the morning.

"Ah, Governor," she said, "we have surprises for you, sir," and nodded
at him meaningly.

"Eh, madam, leave me my prisoners," he said; "and if you will but join
the band, begad, I'll be happy for life."

"You would spoil me, would you not?" she asked.

"I would try, I would try," returned the Governor, and he offered her
his arm.

She took it, picked up her skirt, and drew him close to her. "I have
come to see the Prince," she said. "Now, infidel! on business. A message
from that stupid Gondremark, who keeps me running like a courier. Do I
look like one, Herr Gordon?" And she planted her eyes in him.

"You look like an angel, ma'am," returned the Governor, with a great air
of finished gallantry.

The Countess laughed. "An angel on horseback!" she said. "Quick work."

"You came, you saw, you conquered," flourished Gordon, in high good
humour with his own wit and grace. "We toasted you, madam, in the
carriage, in an excellent good glass of wine; toasted you fathom deep;
the finest woman, with, begad, the finest eyes in Gruenewald. I never saw
the like of them but once, in my own country, when I was a young fool at
College: Thomasina Haig her name was. I give you my word of honour, she
was as like you as two peas."

"And so you were merry in the carriage?" asked the Countess, gracefully
dissembling a yawn.

"We were; we had a very pleasant conversation;