offering, although I say it, could be made. '_Dieux de
l'immense plaine et des vastes forets._' Very good," he said, "very good
indeed! '_Et du geolier lui-meme apprendre des lecons._' Most handsome,
begad!"

"Come, Governor," cried the Countess, "you can read his poetry when we
are gone. Open your grudging portals."

"I ask your pardon," said the Colonel. "To a man of my character and
tastes, these verses, this handsome reference--most moving, I assure
you. Can I offer you an escort?"

"No, no," replied the Countess. "We go incogniti, as we arrived. We ride
together; the Prince will take my servant's horse. Hurry and privacy,
Herr Oberst, that is all we seek." And she began impatiently to lead the
way.

But Otto had still to bid farewell to Dr. Gotthold; and, the Governor
following, with his spectacles in one hand and the paper in the other,
had still to communicate his treasured verses, piece by piece, as he
succeeded in deciphering the manuscript, to all he came across; and
still his enthusiasm mounted. "I declare," he cried at last, with the
air of one who has at length divined a mystery, "they remind me of
Robbie Burns!"

But there is an end to all things; and at length Otto was walking by the
side of Madame von Rosen, along that mountain wall, her servant
following with both the horses, and all about them sunlight, and breeze,
and flying bird, and the vast regions of the air, and the capacious
prospect: wildwood and climbing pinnacle, and the sound and voice of
mountain torrents, at their hand; and far below them, green melting into
sapphire on the plains.

They walked at first in silence; for Otto's mind was full of the delight
of liberty and nature, and still, betweenwhiles, he was preparing his
interview with Gondremark. But when the first rough promontory of the
rock was turned, and the Felsenburg concealed behind its bulk, the lady
paused.

"Here," she said, "I will dismount poor Karl, and you and I must ply our
spurs. I love a wild ride with a good companion."

As she spoke, a carriage came into sight round the corner next below
them in the order of the road. It came heavily creaking, and a little
ahead of it a traveller was soberly walking, note-book in hand.

"It is Sir John," cried Otto, and he hailed him.

The Baronet pocketed his note-book, stared through an eye-glass, and
then waved his stick; and he on his side, and the Countess and the
Prince on theirs, advanced with somewhat quicker ste