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!"

Egon von Adelsberg little thought that every glance, every tone had been
inspired by the memory of another, and that the invitation to repeat his
visit had only been spoken because the fair chatelaine of Ostwalden
hoped to hear from her guest the news of a distant wanderer.

CHAPTER XIV.

It was midsummer in the warm and pleasant month of July, when the world,
which lay in such dreamy, peaceful repose, was suddenly awakened in
affright as from a deep sleep. From the Rhine to the sea and back again
to the Alps, there blazed an unearthly lightning flash followed by
distant thunder-roar, and from the west the heavy war cloud descended
upon the land; while the cry of "War! War! War with France!" re-echoed
throughout all Germany.

It came like a whirlwind upon the South Germans,--tearing men from their
homes, changing pl