They had reached the limit of the park and remained standing for a moment now.  Before them lay a long stretch of meadow with a hot afternoon sun streaming down on it, while a background of forest-clad mountains rose high and green in the distance.  Adelheid had listened silently, and now her sad glance rested on the far mountain heights.  Suddenly she turned and held out her hand to her companion.

“I believe you to be a very self-sacrificing friend.  Herr Rojanow should not desert so true a comrade.  Perhaps you could save him from this—­sword of Damocles.”

Egon could hardly credit his senses.

This warm hand pressure, the sad, tender glance from the eyes brimming with tears, and the almost passionate earnestness with which she spoke, surprised and enchanted him.  He grasped her hand and pressed it with fervor to his lips.

“If I could ever do anything for Hartmut, I would do it gladly.  Rest assured your plea for him will spur me on.  While I am here you must allow me the neighborly privilege of coming to Ostwalden frequently.  Do not say no for I am all alone at Rodeck, and I came here solely for the purpose—­”

He stopped suddenly, feeling that the time had not yet come when he could reveal to her why he had come, and he saw that no such confession would avail him now.  Adelheid drew her hand back quickly, and stepped back; for a moment the old icy manner was upon her again.

“Of avoiding the heat and noise of Ostend; so you have already explained.”  She said very coldly.

“That was only a pretext,” responded the prince earnestly.  “I left Ostend because of certain reports which were being circulated concerning me.  When I saw myself figuring in the newspapers, I determined to make an end of it.  These reports were altogether groundless, as far as I was concerned.  I give you my word for it, Baroness.”

He had at least taken advantage of this opportunity to explain how untrue were all rumors concerning his engagement to his aunt Sophie’s niece.  Frau von Wallmoden was distant and formal as she replied: 

“Why does your Highness deem it necessary to make this declaration to me?  It was only a report, I fancy.  It is understood, I believe, that you have resolved never to give up your freedom.  I think we must return to the castle now?  You say my brother-in-law has come with you, and I must see him.”

Egon turned with her, and as they sauntered back resumed his light, gossipy chatter.  As soon as possible he made some excuse for leaving, and as Adelheid bade him good-bye, she gave him a courteous invitation to call again, and that was to him the important thing.

“My cursed hastiness!” he muttered, as he rode away.  “I’ll keep away for a couple of weeks.  As soon as any one approaches a step near, she turns into ice again”—­but here the prince’s face lighted—­“but the ice is beginning to melt.  I saw it and felt it in her tone and glance.  I will have patience—­the prize is worth a struggle!”