I don't
know what you are going to do, and I don't want to know. I have
run quite a risk enough as it is, and mean, directly the count is
lodged in the prison, to make my way home, having collected a dowry
which will enable me to buy a farm and marry my bachelor, who has
been waiting for me for the last three years. His father is an old
curmudgeon, who has declared that his son shall never marry except
a maid who can bring as much money as he will give him. I told
Fritz that if he would trust to my wits and wait I would in five
years produce the dowry. Now I have treble the sum, and shall go
off and make Fritz happy."
"He is a lucky fellow," Malcolm said laughing. "It is not every
one who gets beauty, wit, and wealth all together in a wife."
"You are a flatterer," the girl laughed; "but for all that I think
myself that Fritz is not unfortunate."
"And now tell me," Malcolm asked, "at what time is the sentry
generally changed?"
"At sunrise, at noon, at sunset, and at midnight," the girl replied;
"but what is that to you?"
"Never mind;" Malcolm laughed; "you know you don't want to be told
what I'm going to do. I will tell you if you like."
"No, no," the girl replied hurriedly. "I would rather be able to
always take my oath on the holy relics that I know nothing about
it."
"Very well," Malcolm replied; "then this afternoon I will call.
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