He shrugged his shoulders, and offered his arm to the girl. Judith followed him with bowed head, as if crushed by the humiliation. "Have I experienced these things before, and now for the first time notice them?" Wladko had, indeed, been rude to her often; both he and his sisters had cut her dead. But she had not taken it to heart, for she knew the reason. The head of the family, Herr Severin von Wolczinski, who had gotten rid of all his property with the exception of one small estate in close proximity to the town, had begged in vain for a loan from Nathaniel. The manufacturer's answer had always been the same. He would throw the account for goods received into the fire, but, on principle, he refused to lend money. The young gentleman did not speak; he even avoided looking at his partner. At last he conceived a bright idea. "'Pon my honor," he exclaimed, "now I recognize you. The candles burn badly. They are miserable stuff. Supplied, no doubt, by some cheating Jew for more than they are worth." Judith drew a long breath. "My father supplied them. They are both good and cheap, although he is often swindled of hard-earned money by some knavish nobleman." The bystanders became attentive, which annoyed "Wladko still more. "A nobleman never swindles," he asserted. "Oh, yes, at times they do. Ordering goods which one can never pay for is swindling." Some laughed. The prior, too, came staggering up, for he had just been visiting the buffet again, and could scarcely stand. "Wladko," he hiccoughed, "what are you quarrelling with the pretty Jewess about? You should kiss and make up." "Do you really think so?" The young fellow laughed nervously. The next moment he had thrown his arms around her form and had kissed her on the neck. The brave deed was rewarded by loud laughter and clapping of hands. Pale as death, and trembling from head to foot, Judith tore herself free. "What a cowardly, knavish, trick!" she exclaimed, indignantly. "You are right!" said a deep, sonorous voice, so loudly that it was distinctly heard above the noise. "It was a mean, cowardly trick!" The speaker was Agenor Baranowski. "Monsieur le Comte!" exclaimed Wladko. "I am at your service whenever you like. Will you do me the honor of taking my arm, mademoiselle?" He led her through the guests, who silently made way for them. "Where may I conduct you?" he inquired. "Is your mother here?" "I have no mother. But I live in the house." "I know you are the daughter of Herr Trachtenberg, who welcomed me so pleasantly to-day. Well, then, shall I take you to your housekeeper?" "No, only as far as the stairs, please," for she felt her strength failing her. He accompanied her to the stairs, and took leave of her with a profound bow. "But, Judith!" called Lady Anna, rushing out of the room. The girl did not hear her, and the count had returned to the salon. CHAPTER II.