Hildegarde rose abruptly, and was about to leave the window, when he exclaimed, “Excuse my ignorance of German customs. I am really interested in what you have been telling me, and should like to know what finally induced Mademoiselle de Hoffmann to accept your cousin.” “What induced her! They met at the house of a mutual friend, and though you do not know how agreeable Oscar can be when he chooses, you—you must have perceived that he is uncommonly good-looking.” “Why, yes, he certainly is not ugly; but good looks on the part of a man is a matter of minor importance!” “A handsome face is always an advantage. Don’t you think so?” asked Hildegarde, laughing. “An advantage? oh, certainly; but from what you have told me of Mademoiselle de Hoffmann, I thought her far too rational to attach much importance to personal advantages. I should have imagined her just the sort of a person to appreciate a man like Zedwitz.” “You do her but justice,” said Hildegarde; “and I think that, were she given the choice, with time and opportunity to form an opinion, she would decide in favour of Count Zedwitz; but he has no debts, requires no fortune, and is not likely to marry in this way; he certainly will not employ his father as suitor!” “You seem to know him thoroughly; I was not aware that you had such an exalted opinion of him until to-day,” said Hamilton, biting his lip. “If we had ever spoken of him when mamma was not present, I should not have hesitated to say that, with the exception of my father, I do not think there is a more amiable or generous-minded person in the world than he is.” Hamilton attempted to smile, in order to hide the jealousy which at the moment he keenly felt, and answered with affected eagerness, “Will you allow me to tell Zedwitz what you have said? I know it will make him inexpressibly happy.” “No, thank you,” replied Hildegarde, calmly, though even in the pale moonlight her deep blush was perceptible. “It is equally unimportant now what he thinks of me or I of him.” A pause ensued, which was broken by Hamilton saying abruptly, “If you really think Zedwitz so estimable, may I ask you why you refused his proposal of marriage the day we were on the alp?” Hildegarde seemed utterly confounded, and remained silent. “You may speak without reserve,” added Hamilton, “for Zedwitz has told me everything.” “I am not going to speak at all, unless,” she added, half laughing, “unless you intend to begin your office of mentor; you seem altogether to have forgotten that you undertook last night to tell me my faults, and assist me to correct them. Have I done nothing reprehensible to-day?” “Yes,” replied Hamilton, “I saw you bestow on your cousin this evening when he joined us a glance that gave me the idea of a previous understanding with him——” “Go on,” said Hildegarde. “Can you not explain or exculpate yourself?” asked Hamilton with some embarrassment.