n formed by this old master of the
noble game.

Their host appeared at last, greeted every one with monosyllabic
cordiality, and then approached the stranger.

"I thank you, Herr Doctor," said he, "for giving me the pleasure of
your company on our hunt, though you told me yesterday you were no
sportsman. You've only to say whether you'll accompany us on horseback,
or whether you prefer to drive in a light carriage over the beautiful
road that leads through the forest to the ranger's house, which is the
general _rendezvous_ and where, after the hunt is over, lunch will be
served."

"Unless you happen to have in your stable a descendant of Gellert's
grey, I must decide in favor of the carriage," replied Edwin smiling.
The count nodded carelessly, leaving it uncertain whether his knowledge
of horses extended back so far, and gave an order to the groom. He
seemed even more absent minded and gloomy than on the evening before,
busied himself in adjusting his hunting suit, and from time to time
glanced at his watch. "It's getting late," he said to the head ranger,
who had risen and was quietly awaiting his master's orders. "The
countess doesn't usually keep us waiting."

At this moment the butler appeared at the door, and said: "Her ladyship
is descending."

"_Eh bien_, gentlemen, if you please, we'll set out, and good luck to
our sport."

He hastily led the way into the ante-room, followed by the rest of the
company. In spite of the cloudy morning, the staircase was light enough
to make it easy to distinguish faces, even on the landing above. Edwin
was the last who entered the hall; he trembled and was forced to pause
on the threshold and close his eyes; everything was whirling around
him. When he opened them again, he saw a slender female figure
descending the broad marble steps, holding the train of her green
velvet dress under her left arm, and resting her right hand lightly on
the banister. Count Gaston was walking beside her, and a huntsman,
holding his plumed hat in his hand, followed. She wore a little green
velvet cap with a long grey veil, and her hair was simply dressed in
wide braids. All this Edwin could observe at leisure, as she was
talking to her companion and thus kept her head averted. She now
reached the lower landing and with a graceful movement turned toward
her husband, who welcomed her with knightly courtesy. She nodded a good
morning to him and her face was quite devoid of expression as she
rai