The Baroness flashed a quick glance at him. "I understand you, boy; nothing can take that away from one who loves it. Now take the little one home, and to-morrow we shall come to see Aszszony Semeyer about her. In the meantime, say not one word to the little girl for fear she be disappointed if we have made a mistake." "Yes, Your High-Born Graciousness," and Banda Bela led Marushka away, playing as they went down the hill the little song of his father. "The hills are so blue, The sun so warm, The wind of the moor so soft and so kind! Oh, the eyes of my mother, The warmth of her breast, The breath of her kiss on my cheek, alas!" FOOTNOTE: [12] Celebrated drive in Buda-Pest. CHAPTER VIII MARUSHKA MAKES A JOURNEY MARUSHKA was so excited that she scarce knew how to contain herself. The Baroness had come to see Aszszony Semeyer and had talked long with her. Then she had called Marushka and the little girl saw that Aszszony Semeyer had been crying. "Marushka," the Baroness said. "Will you come with me and make a journey? I want to take you in the motor to Buda-Pest." "The High-Born Baroness is very good," said Marushka, her eyes shining. "I should like to go very much, but not if Aszszony Semeyer does not wish it." "Good child," said Aszszony Semeyer, "I do wish it." "Then why do you cry?" "There are many things to make old people cry," said the peasant woman. "I am certainly not crying because the High-Born Graciousness wishes to honour you with so pleasant a journey--(that is the truth, for it is the fear that she will not come back that forces the tears from my eyes," she added to herself). "Aszszony Semeyer will have Banda Bela," said the Baroness. Marushka opened her eyes very wide. "Oh, no, Your Graciousness, because Banda Bela must go wherever I go. If he stays at home, then I must stay, too." "Such a child!" exclaimed Aszszony Semeyer. "She has always been like this about Banda Bela. The two will not be separated." "In that case we shall have to take Banda Bela also," said the Baroness, and Marushka clapped her hands with glee. "That will be nice," she exclaimed. "I shall love to see the city and all the beautiful palaces, and I shall bring you a present, Aszszony Semeyer, but I will not go unless you wish me to." "I do wish it, dear child, but do not forget your old aunt," for so she had taught the children to call her. So it was decided that they should start the next week when the Baron's business would have been attended to. Part of Marushka's journey was to be taken in the motor, and, as she had never ridden in one before, she was very much excited as they set out on a bright day in August. She wanted to sit beside Banda Bela with the driver, but the Baroness said, "No, it would not be proper for a little girl." So she had to be satisfied with sitting between the Baron and Baroness on the back seat.