Hildegarde was spared the answer, for Madame Rosenberg entered the room, and having discovered that the tip of Crescenz’s little nose was red, immediately declared it was from want of exercise, and sent both sisters to play at battledore and shuttlecock in the nursery with their brothers. She then despatched a messenger to Hamilton which caused his immediate return to her house. --------------------- CHAPTER XXVII. THE SLEDGE. HAMILTON’S sledge was the subject of discussion the very first evening of his return—he of course proposed their making use of it, and assured Madame Rosenberg that she might trust herself and her daughters to his care without fear. “Oh, dear,—I’m sure I should not be in the least afraid,” cried Crescenz. “And yet you are the greatest coward in the house,” said her mother. “I am sure you will scream so often that Mr. Hamilton will refuse to take you a second time.” “Allow me to observe,” said Major Stultz, his face increasing in redness as he spoke—“and I conceive I have some right to give an opinion on the subject—that I totally disapprove of Crescenz’s going out in Mr. Hamilton’s sledge.” “Are you afraid to trust her to my care?” asked Hamilton, laughing. Major Stultz rapped on the table with his fingers, and looked significantly towards Madame Rosenberg. “You surely do not think I shall be so awkward as to upset the sledge?” continued Hamilton. “I have the highest opinion of you, Mr. Hamilton, the highest opinion—where horses are concerned,” began Major Stultz, with some embarrassment, while Hamilton rubbed his upper lip to hide a smile. “Had you a carriage instead of a sledge, the case would be different, and I—but I see you understand me.” “Not in the least,” said Hamilton, looking up in unfeigned astonishment. “Crescenz does, however,” said Major Stultz, turning to his betrothed, whose face was suffused with blushes. Madame Rosenberg had been occupied with little Peppy—she was arranging the broken harness of a wooden carthorse, which had been dragged somewhat roughly round the room. She now looked up, and observed in a low voice, and with a sort of expressive wink at Major Stultz, “Mr. Hamilton, being an Englishman, knows nothing about sledging rights. Keep your own counsel, and he will never think of claiming it.” “He may claim it from whoever he pleases,” cried Major Stultz, bluntly; “but not from my Crescenz, that’s all.” “What is it—what is my right? What may I claim?” asked Hamilton, quickly.