"
Count Vavel gently took the young girl's hand in his.
"Suppose I could restore to thee thy former sweet slumber, Marie?
Suppose I take up my old quarters on the lounge by the door?"
The young girl gazed into his eyes as if she would penetrate his very
soul. Then she said sorrowfully: "No, dear Ludwig; that would not
restore my slumber."
"Then suppose I have thought of something that will? Come with me, and
see."
She laid her hand on his arm, and went with him to her room.
Ludwig conducted her into the alcove, and stepped outside.
"Draw the cord which hangs at the head of the bed," he said, smiling at
her wondering face.
Marie did as he bade her, and the metal screen unrolled, and was caught
in the springs in the floor.
"Oh, how wonderful!" she exclaimed in amazement. "I am a prisoner in my
own alcove."
"Only so long as you care to remain in your prison," returned Count
Vavel. "No one can lift the screen from this side; but if you will press
your foot on the little brass button in the floor at the foot of the
column to your left, you will be at liberty again."
The next instant Master Matyas's handiwork was rolled up to the ceiling.
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