Somehow a man always likes to be properly
valued. It re-establishes his good opinion of himself.
Well, well; however affectionate Madame might be, she could
scarcely carry it beyond the threshold of his chamber, and he
was determined to retire at an early hour. But he had many
things to learn.
Fitzgerald was abandoned to the countess, who had still much
color to regain. From time to time the Englishman looked over
his shoulder to see what was going on between Madame and his
friend, and so missed half of what the countess said.
"Come," thought Maurice, "it is time I made a play."
The blackberries were ripe along the stone walls which
surrounded the chateau. Maurice wandered here and there,
plucking what fruit he could find. Now and then he would offer a
branch to Madame. At length, as though by previous arrangement
with Madame, the countess led Fitzgerald around to the other
side of the chateau, so that Madame and Maurice were alone.
Immediately the smile, which had rested on her lips, vanished.
Her companion was gazing mountainward, and cogitating. How fared
those in Bleiberg?
"What a beautiful world it is!" said a low, soft voice close to
his ear.
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