“Very true. I had to ask forgiveness for having offended her in the garden to-day; as, however, the excuses are only intended for her ear, let us consider them made, and talk of something else.” “I have neither time nor inclination to speak on any subject but the one which brought me here.” “The communication must be important, if I may judge by the solemnity of your manner,” said Hamilton, looking calmly into the quadrangle. “My sister desires me to say that she feels the impropriety of her former interview with you here most deeply, and that nothing will induce her to consent to another. She has told you of her intended marriage; it is almost unnecessary to say that, under such circumstances, a continuation of your present attentions will only serve to embarrass and annoy her.” “Your sister never desired you to say that,” cried Hamilton, fixing his eyes steadily on her face. “Of this you may be assured,” she continued, colouring deeply, “that my sister will not again meet you alone, unless—unless——” “Unless what?” “Unless you are more explicit, and give her the power of choosing between you and Major Stultz. It is not yet too late.” This was what may be called coming to the point at once, and Hamilton was so taken by surprise that he could only stammer something about the shortness of his acquaintance, and believing that he did not quite understand what she meant. “I believe Crescenz does not quite understand what you mean,” cried Hildegarde, indignantly. “How I wish she could see with my eyes, and learn to despise you as you deserve!” “You are really too flattering,” observed Hamilton, laughing, “much too flattering; but may I not be allowed to wish that you would see me with your sister’s eyes, and value me as I deserve? However,” he continued, glad of an opportunity to change the subject, “although you have just deprived me of a meeting with your sister, I shall not interfere with your intended _tête-à-tête_ with Count Zedwitz.” The Count advanced towards them as he spoke. “Your good opinion is of too little importance to induce me to disclaim or enter into any explanation,” she replied, turning quickly from him; and bowing slightly to Zedwitz, she disappeared through one of the entrances to the cloisters. “Hameeltone, that is not fair play,” cried the latter, laughing; “your presence here was not expected.” “You do not mean to say you came here to meet Mademoiselle Rosenberg?” “And why not? You have met her sister here. Why may not I hope to be equally fortunate?” “Because—because——” “Because you’re handsome, and I’m ugly; you think I have no chance?” “That was not what I meant. The difference between the sisters would rather form the obstacle——” “Difference, indeed!” exclaimed Zedwitz. “The difference is in intellect,” observed Hamilton; “in person they are extremely alike.” “You mean, perhaps, in figure?” asked Zedwitz. “In feature, too,” persisted Hamilton.