"
The sneer vanished from the colonel's lips, and the swords of his
companions were returned to their scabbards.
"I hasten to apologize," said the colonel. "Accept, madame, my deepest
reverence, and do not refuse to forgive the insulting scorn my ignorance
caused me to express. Permit me to convince you of my sincere homage, by
this salute."
He bent his head and pressed his lips to one of the lady's hands, which
were clasped about Count Vavel's arm. Then, with his helmet still in his
hand, he turned to Count Vavel, and added: "Are you satisfied?"
"Yes," was the curt reply.
"Then let us shake hands--without malice. Accept my sincerest
congratulations. To you, baroness, I give thanks for the lesson you have
taught me this morning."
He bowed once more, then stepped to one side, indicating that the way
was clear.
The baroness drew her veil over her face, and, clinging tremblingly to
the arm of her escort, walked by his side back to the highway, the three
officers following at a respectful distance.
When they emerged from the forest they saw the three horses which had
been left by the colonel and his companions in charge of the grooms.
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