"This place belongs to the Count Ándrassy," said the Baroness. "He has also another place in the Aföld and is very wealthy. When my grandfather went to visit his grandfather in the old days, they once took the wheels from his carriage and tied them to the tops of the tallest poplar trees on the estate to prevent his leaving. Another time they greased the shafts with wolf fat, so that the horses would not allow themselves to be harnessed up, for they are so afraid of the wolf smell. Still another time they hid his trunks in the attic so that it was three months before my grandfather finally got away. "That was old-fashioned hospitality. Here we are at the door. Sit quietly here and I will return," and the Baroness sprang down. There was a swish of her silken skirts and the front door closed behind her. The children chattered gaily to each other of all they had seen and heard since they had left Harom Szölöhoz, and Marushka said: "It seems so long since we have left the village, Banda Bela; somehow it seems as if we would never go back." "I think you never will." Banda Bela spoke a little sadly. "Were you happy there, Little One?" "Oh, yes," she said brightly. "I was happy with you and Aszszony Semeyer. Only, when I saw other children with their mothers, there was the ache right here--" she laid her hand on her heart. "I know," said Banda Bela. "I have that always. Only when I play my violin do I forget." "But I cannot play the violin, nor can I do anything, only embroider that horrible _Himmelbelt_," and Marushka pouted, while Banda Bela laughed at her. "Think how proud you will be some day to show that _Himmelbelt_ to your husband," he said, but just then the Baroness and the Count came out of the house together. "What do you think?" the Baroness asked the Count. "I think you are right, but Maria shall decide," he answered. "We will say nothing to her and her heart will speak." "Come in, children," said the Baroness, who looked strangely excited. Her eyes shone and her cheeks were flushed, while the Count's face was pale as death and he looked strangely at Marushka. "Banda Bela," said the Baroness, "the Countess is not very well. She loves music as you and I do, and I want you to come in and play for her. She is very sad. Once she lost her dear little daughter, and you may play some gentle little songs for her. It may give her pleasure. It is a beautiful thing, Banda Bela, to give pleasure to those who are sad." The Baroness chattered on as they entered the house. Marushka looked up at the Count's face. Sad as it was she felt drawn toward him. She saw him watching her closely and smiled up at him with the pretty, frank smile which always lighted up her face so charmingly. "High-Born Count," she said shyly, "I have to thank you for the first present I ever received in all my life." "What was that, Little One?" he asked.