who appreciate them. I do not, and if you do
not cease your importunities, I will in future claim protection against
them."

"Whose protection?" sneered the count. "Perhaps that of the old woman
with whom you live, and who is forever at your side! It is only when you
go to Professor Marani that she is left at home; you do not regard the
old singing master as dangerous. But that is the only time when you are
without her."

"Except for a morning walk in the park, of which you are apparently
aware. Get out of my path, please. I want to go on."

She attempted to pass him, but the count put out both arms to intercept
her.

"You will at least, give me permission to accompany you, Fraeulein? You
can see for yourself the walks are lonely and deserted, and I'm bound to
offer you my protection."

The park was indeed deserted; no sign of life in any direction, and the
brave girl was secretly alarmed, but she answered, boldly:

"Do not attempt to follow me a single step. Your protection would be as
unendurable as is your presence. How often have I to repeat that?"

"Ah, how angry she can get," said the count with a malicious laugh. "Ah,
I must be repaid for those hard words. I must have a kiss from those
rosy lips which speak so harshly."

He made a movement to take her in his arms, as the girl drew back,
really alarmed now, but in the same moment he lay sprawling upon the
sward, a heavy blow, well aimed, having thrown him to the damp ground,
where he lay, a most contemptible object!

Marietta turned, more alarmed than ever, in the direction from which the
blow had come, and the angry, hot expression on her face was succeeded
by one of boundless surprise, when she saw who it was that had come to
her aid so suddenly, and now stood by her side gazing grimly at the
prostrate man whom he had put in this humiliating position with such
evident satisfaction.

"Herr von Eschenhagen--you?"

Count Westerburg had in the meantime risen with some difficulty, and now
advanced threateningly toward his new enemy.

"Sir, what do you mean by this? Who has given you the right--who has
given you the right--"

"Stay where you are! Don't advance a step nearer this lady," interrupted
Willibald, placing himself in front of Marietta, "or I'll send you
flying under those trees, and you won't get up from the second blow as
soon as you did from the first."

The count, who was neither very large nor very rugged, and who had felt
already the