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We left Strasburg by the north gate, and, as the city fell back of us, Max, riding by my side, asked: "What is the evil news that has cast this gloom over Yolanda and good Castleman? If our friends are in danger, I would not leave them at Metz, and you would not have me do so." "The evil news grows out of the war," I answered evasively. "I heard every word spoken by the herald and Castleman.
Yolanda had gained her point and was joyful over her victory. Frau Katherine was asleep in a high-backed chair. Twonette slept in a corner of the arbor, her flaxen head embowered in a cluster of leaves and illumined by a stray beam of moonlight that stole between the vines. "I am going in now. Come, Twonette," said Yolanda, shaking that plump young lady to arouse her. "Come, Twonette."
While Castleman was talking to De Rose, Yolanda and Twonette rode forward, passing on that side of the highway which left Castleman and me between them and the herald. "Ah, good Castleman," said De Rose, "you are far from home these troublous times." "Your words imply bad news, monsieur," returned Castleman. "I have already heard hints of trouble, though all was quiet when I left Peronne."
Think of your rewards," cried Yolanda, running to his side and kissing him. "Many a man would fight a score of dragons for that kiss." "Dragons!" cried Castleman, protestingly. "I would rather fight a hundred dragons than do this thing for you, Yolanda.
He refused a lordship and declined the Order of the Golden Fleece, preferring the freedom of his own caste. I have always thought he acted wisely." "Indeed he was wise," returned Max. "You that have never known the restraints of one born to high estate cannot fully understand how wise he was." Yolanda glanced up to Max with amusement in her eyes: "Ah, yes!
"Yes," answered Castleman, hesitatingly; then, as if hurrying from the subject, he continued, "Her mother is dead, and the girl lives chiefly under my roof." I wanted to ask other questions concerning Yolanda, but I kept silent. I had begun to suspect that she was not what she passed for a burgher girl; but Castleman was a straightforward, truthful man, and his words satisfied me.
The oath of Maximilian of Hapsburg, whose heart had never coined a lie, was as everlasting as the rocks of his native land and, like Styria's mountain peaks, pierced the dome of heaven. If Yolanda were not the princess, our journeying to Burgundy had been in vain, and our sojourn in Peronne was useless and perilous. It could not be brought to a close too quickly.
We could not tell whence it came. Every stone in the walls and ceiling, every slab in the floor seemed resonant with silvery tones. After Max had answered there was a pause lasting two or three minutes, and the voice spoke again: "I love you, Little Max. I tell you because I wish to comfort you. Do not fear. You shall be free to-morrow. Do not answer. Adieu." "Yolanda!
"No," she responded, "I only lie that good may come of it." Then silence fell upon the world their world. Was not that hour with Max worth all the pains that Yolanda had taken to deceive him? Yolanda and Max came down to the long room, and she, too, gave me her cheek to kiss.
Yolanda ran to the door and opened it. "I am glad you did not stay with her," she said, giving a hand to Max and to me, and walking into the room between us. She was like a child holding our hands.
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