It was all very charming, but time was flying, and I began to plan a graceful exit. "You make it hard to go," I said. "Yes, I suppose we must go as soon as possible. Herr Vooght said at two o'clock." I was startled. Delightful as she was, I hardly reckoned on her being one of the party. "The prince will be so pleased to see you," she went on. "Will he?" "Why, you will have my recommendation!" "I'm sure it must be all-powerful!" "But we have two hours before we need start. You must want to rest." "What a charming tower this is!" "Yes; such a view. Look, we can see for miles. Only I hate that stretch of dusty road." I looked carelessly toward the road along which we had come. "Look what a dust!" she said. "It's a carriage! Oh, they'll upset!" I jumped up. About half a mile off, I saw a carriage and pair driven furiously toward the villa. My heart beat. "Who can it be?" she said. "Don't be frightened," said I. "Possibly the authorities have found out about the duel." "Oh!" "Let me go and see." "Take care!" "And in case I have to slip away----" "I shall go alone. You will join us?" "Yes. But now, in case----" "Well?" "As a reward, may I kiss your hand?" She gave it me. "I am glad you came," she said. "Stay, perhaps it's only our friends coming for us." "I'll go and see." I was reluctant to cut short our good-by,--for I feared it must be final,--but no time was to be lost. With another kiss--and upon my honor, I can't swear whether it was her hand or her cheek this time--I rushed downstairs, seized my hat and cane, and dived into the shrubberies that bordered on the turf walk. Quickly I made my way to within twenty yards of the road, and stopped, motionless and completely hidden by the trees. At that moment the carriage, with its smoking horses, drew up at the gate. Dumergue got out; Vooght came next; then a tall, powerful man, of military bearing. No doubt this was the colonel. They seemed in a hurry; motioning the driver to wait, they walked or almost ran past me up the path. The moment they were by me and round a little curve, I hastened to the gate, and burst upon the driver. "A hundred marks to the station!" "But, sir, I am engaged." "Damn you! Two hundred!" I cried. "Get in," said he, like a sensible man, bundling back the nose-bags he was just putting on his horses. I leaped in, he jumped on the box, and off we flew quicker even than they had come. As we went, I glanced up at the tower. They were there! I saw Vooght and Dumergue lean over for a moment, and then turn as if to come down. The tall stranger stood opposite the lady, and seemed to be talking to her.