The Baron wore his handsomest uniform, top boots, embroidered coat and magnificent cloak, trimmed in gold braid and buttons, and it was a proud moment in Irma's life when he put his hand upon her elbow and led her out to dance the quaint dance of the Hungarians, with its slow movement gradually growing faster and faster until it ends in a regular whirl. Banda Bela played his best and the _czardas_ of Irma's wedding was long talked of in the village as the most beautiful which had ever been danced. Then the High-Born Baron spoke to his wife and she smiled and nodded her head and asked Banda Bela if he could play the accompaniment to any of the folk-songs. "Yes, Your Graciousness," he answered, "to any one of them." "Then I will sing for you," said the Baroness, and a rustle of expectancy went round the _'szvoba_, for it was well known in the village that the High-Born Graciousness was a famous singer and had often been asked to sing to the King. She sang the little folk-song which every Hungarian knows. "How late the summer stars arise! My love for thee was late in rising too. But what of that, or aught, to me? Why is thy glance so icy cold? My heart burns hot with love for thee!" Her voice was tender and sad like that of all the Magyar women, and Marushka thought she had never heard anything so beautiful as the song to which Banda Bela's notes added a perfect accompaniment. Then the wedding cakes were passed about, and the little girl had her full share. Banda Bela rejoiced in the present of a silver piece from the Baron. "Who is this child?" demanded the Baroness, attracted by Marushka's fair hair amidst the dark-haired little Magyars and Slövaks. "A little one adopted by Aszszony Semeyer," replied the magistrate, "as is also the Gypsy boy who played for you." "She does not look like a Gypsy child," said the Baroness, knitting her brows a little. "She reminds me of some one I have seen--" as Marushka smiled up at her and made her a quaint little peasant's courtesy with more than peasant's grace. [Illustration: "'WHO IS THIS CHILD?' DEMANDED THE BARONESS"] FOOTNOTES: [10] Room. [11] Salable daughters. CHAPTER VII THE UNEXPECTED