No, but tell me!"
"Well, I am telling you the truth," he replied. "If you won't believe
me, ask Fraeulein herself."
"I have asked her," said Frau Steinhart, "and she told me to ask you."
The Disagreeable Man was much amused. He had never thought of Bernardine
in that way.
He paid the bill, and then did something which rather astonished Frau
Steinhart, and half convinced her.
He took the bill to Bernardine, told her the amount of her share, and
she repaid him then and there.
There was a twinkle in her eye as she looked up at him. Then the
composure of her features relaxed, and she laughed.
He laughed too, but no comment was made upon the episode. Then began
the goodbyes, and the preparations for the return journey.
Bernardine bent over Catharina, and kissed her sad face.
"Fraeulein will come again?" she whispered eagerly.
And Bernardine promised. There was something in Bernardine's manner
which had won the poor girl's fancy: some unspoken sympathy, some quiet
geniality.
Just as they were starting, Frau Steinhart whispered to Robert Allitsen:
"It is a little disappointing to me, Herr Allitsen. I did so hope you
were betrothed."
August, the blue-spectacled driver, cracked his whip, and of the horses
started homewards.
For some time there was no conversation between the two occupants of the
sledge. Bernardine, was busy thinking about the experiences of the day,
and the Disagreeable Man seemed in a brown study. At last he broke the
silence by asking her how she liked his friends, and what she thought
of Swiss home life; and so the time passed pleasantly.
He looked at her once, and said she seemed cold.
"You are not warmly clothed," he said. "I have an extra coat. Put it on;
don't make a fuss but do so at once. I know the climate and you don't."
She obeyed, and said she was all the cosier for it. As they were nearing
Petershof, he said half-nervously:
"So my friends took you for my betrothed. I hope you are not offended."
"Why should I be?" she said frankly. "I was only amused, because there
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