"It is quite true," continued Herr Bernat. "Count Vavel sent me here to
beg you to answer the words he spoke to you on an eventful occasion. Do
you remember them?"
The lady's countenance did not brighten as she replied:
"Yes, I remember the words; but between them and my reply there is a
veil that separates the two."
"The veil has been removed."
"Ah! Then you saw the lady of the castle without her veil? Is she
pretty?"
"More than pretty!"
"And who is she? What is she to Count Vavel?"
"She is not your rival, my pretty sister Katinka; she is neither wife
nor betrothed to Count Vavel--nor yet his secret love."
"Then she must be his sister--or daughter."
"No; she is neither sister nor daughter."
"Then what is she? Not a servant?"
"No; she is his mistress."
"His mistress?"
"Yes, his mistress--as my queen is my mistress."
"Ah!" There was a peculiar gleam in the lovely baroness's eyes. Then she
came nearer to Herr Bernat, and asked with womanly shyness: "And you
believe the count--loves _me_?"
"That I do not know, baroness, for he did not tell me; but I think you
know that he loves you.
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