Hermione consented with what patience she could, and we started off on our walk. While we were in the town we had, of course, to walk two by two; but presently, in a special and rather retired part of the gardens, the governesses were less particular, and each couple was allowed to keep a little away from the other. "Now, that's a comfort," said Riki. "I have so much I want to ask you." "What about?" I said. "About your so delightful English ways. You have much of the freedom, have you not?" "I don't know," I replied. "Oh, but you must! Think now; no girl here, nor in my country, nor in any other, I think, on the Continent, would be allowed to go about unattended--not at least before her marriage." "But," I answered, "we don't think about getting married at all in England--I mean girls of my age." "If you don't think it impertinent, would you tell me what your age may be?" I said I should be sixteen in May. "But surely you will think of your marriage within about a year or two, will you not?" I laughed. "What are you talking about?" I said. "Really, Comtesse, I cannot understand you." "Fray don't call me that; call me Riki. I like you so very much; you are different from others." "Every one tells me that," I answered, a little bitterness in my tone. "You have the goodness within--you perhaps have not the beauty without; but what does that matter when goodness within is more valuable? It is but to look at you to know that you have got that." "If you were really to see into my heart, Riki, you would perceive that I am an exceedingly selfish and very ungrateful girl." "Oh dear!" said the Comtesse Riki, "what is it to be what you call ungrateful?" "Not to be thankful for the blessings that are given you," I made answer. She glanced at me in a puzzled way. "Some day, perhaps," I said, "you will visit our England and see for yourself what the life is like." "I should like it," she replied--"that is, after my nuptials." "But you are only a child yourself." "Not a child--I am sixteen; I shall be seventeen in a year; then I shall leave school and go home, and--and--" "Begin your fun," I said. "Oh no," she answered--"not exactly. I may go to a few of the dances and take a _tour_ [dance] with the young men--I should, of course, have many partners; but what is that? Then I shall become affianced, and my betrothal will be a very great event; and afterwards there will be my trousseau, and the preparing for my home, and then my marriage with the husband whom my parents have chosen for me." "And you look forward to that?" I said. "Of course; what else does any girl look forward to?" I could not speak at all for a minute; then I said, "I am truly thankful I am not a German." She smiled.