The butler stammered an apology, explaining his fears for our
goods and the impossibility of distinguishing social rank on a
dark night. Helga cut him short with an impatient gesture,
crying, "How stupid of you!" and herself ran quickly down and
opened the door--a little way only, though. The first sight of
Mr. Rassendyll confirmed her suspicions; in a moment, she said,
she knew his eyes.
"It is you, then?" she cried. "And my foolish servant has left
you in the rain! Pray come in. Oh, but your horse!" She turned to
the penitent butler, who had followed her downstairs. "Take the
baron's horse round to the stables," she said.
"I will send some one at once, my lady."
"No, no, take it yourself--take it at once. I'll look after the
baron."
Reluctantly and ruefully the fat fellow stepped out into the
storm. Rudolf drew back and let him pass, then he entered
quickly, to find himself alone with Helga in the hall. With a
finger on her lips, she led him swiftly into a small sitting-room
on the ground floor, which I used as a sort of office or place of
business. It looked out on the street, and the rain could be
heard driving against the broad panes of the window. Rudolf
turned to her with a smile, and, bowing, kissed her hand.
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