Rupert paused on the threshold, smiling at his cousin; the
girl passed on to a high press or cupboard, and, opening it, took
out plates, glasses, and the other furniture of the table.
Rischenheim sprang up and ran across the room.
"What news?" he cried eagerly. "You escaped them, Rupert?"
"It appears so," said Rupert airily; and, advancing into the
room, he threw himself into a chair, tossing his hat on to the
table.
"It appears that I escaped, although some fool's stupidity nearly
made an end of me." Rischenheim flushed.
"I'll tell you about that directly," he said, glancing at the
girl who had put some cold meat and a bottle of wine on the
table, and was now completing the preparations for Rupert's meal
in a very leisurely fashion.
"Had I nothing to do but to look at pretty faces--which, by
Heaven, I wish heartily were the case--I would beg you to stay,"
said Rupert, rising and making her a profound bow.
"I've no wish to hear what doesn't concern me," she retorted
scornfully.
"What a rare and blessed disposition!" said he, holding the door
for her and bowing again.
"I know what I know," she cried to him triumphantly from the
landing. "Maybe you'd give something to know it too, Count
Rupert!"
"It's very likely, for, by Heaven, girls know wonderful things!"
smiled Rupert; but he shut the door and came quickly back to the
table, now frowning again.
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