Miss von Schwertfeger took her head between her hands. "If I did not know, dearie, what a sweet, harmless young creature you are, I should say your interest in the little rake is most curious. Now, you needn't blush. I know there's nothing back of it. At all events, I will wait until to-morrow, because you plead for him, my love." Thus the conversation ended. Nothing more was to be expected of Miss von Schwertfeger. "If I don't save him, he will be driven away, and if he's driven away, he'll go to rack and ruin, and if he goes to rack and ruin, I shall be to blame." In this fashion Lilly's thoughts kept revolving dizzily in her brain. The simplest thing would be to come to an understanding with Katie, but that was unbefitting Lilly's station. Besides, it had not occurred to the poor girl, who crept about apathetically, to run over to see Von Prell. Later in the day, in fact, she got an attack of cramps and had to be put to bed. At four o'clock the colonel drove off to the station. He had stuck a package of blue banknotes into his bill-folder; which was an unfailing sign that he would not return before early morning. Evening came. The lowing of the cattle and the cracking of whips proclaimed the end of the day's work. Lilly crouched behind the vine on her balcony, and listened to what was going on at the lodge. Finally the scapegrace appeared at his dormer window dragging his little dog by a chain. He was wearing the sort of greenish grey jacket with innumerable pockets that managers of estates affect; and each pocket was stuffed full, giving his figure a warty appearance. Nevertheless he was a dear, bright little fellow, well worth the saving. If she were to signal to him and throw down a piece of paper, would it be possible for him to pick it up later without being seen? She went into her room and scrawled a few lines in pencil. "Everything has been discovered. Miss von Schwertfeger promises to keep silent provided you--" She stopped short. Should the note fall into strange hands the stupidest mortal would construe them into a confession of guilt. "I will speak to him," she decided. The supper bell rang. How strangely Miss von Schwertfeger regarded her, as if she had gotten a glimpse into the depths of Lilly's soul and discovered her bold design. But she did not refer to the malefactor again. On rising from the table she put her arm through Lilly's, after her wont when she intended to bar the way to Lilly's Polish friends. "She won't let go the whole evening," thought Lilly, raging inwardly. In a short while, however, word was brought that Katie had grown sicker, and it might be necessary to send for the physician. "I'll be back directly," said Miss von Schwertfeger, as she left the room giving Lilly a look expressive of stubborn resistance. In an instant Lilly had slipped out of the door and was running down the terrace steps leading to the park.