I can assure
you," he went on, as the woman, indignant at thus being questioned
by a craftsman who was a stranger to her, tossed her head indignantly,
and was about to move on, "that I ask not from any impertinent
curiosity. Here is a ducat as a proof that I am interested in my
questions."
The woman gave him a quick and searching glance; she took the piece
of money, and replied more civilly. "I am the only attendant on
the countess. I cannot be said to be in her service, since I have
been placed there by the commandant of the prison, whither the
count will be moved in a few days, but I have been with them since
their arrival there, nigh three months since."
"Then you are the person whom I seek. I am he to whom a certain
letter which you wot of was sent, and who returned by the messenger
as token that he received it two links of this chain."
The woman started as he spoke, and looked round anxiously to see
that they were not observed; then she said hurriedly:
"For goodness sake, sir, if you be he, put aside that grave and
earnest look, and chat with me lightly and laughingly, so that
if any observe us speaking they will think that you are trying to
persuade me that my face has taken your admiration. Not so very
difficult a task, methinks," she added coquettishly, acting the
part she had indicated.
"By no means," Malcolm replied laughing, for the girl was really
good looking, "and were it not that other thoughts occupy me at
present you might well have another captive to look after; and now
tell me, how is it possible for me to obtain an interview with the
count?"
"And the countess, and the Fraulein Thekla," the girl said laughing,
"for I suppose you are the young Scottish officer of whom the young
countess is always talking.
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