however, they could
not tell whether the courteous treatment they had received was simply
owing to their being strangers of rank. The Count fancied that his
performances on the violin, and the Baron supposed that his fascinating
powers of conversation, and other attractive qualities, had something to
do with it. On reaching the house they were told that the ladies had
gone to take a walk at some distance.

"Perhaps we may meet them," said the Count to the Baron.

They inquired of the servant in what direction the ladies had gone. He
pointed to the northward, and they set out; they walked on and on till
they arrived at a wood, such as is not often found in that part of the
country, and they observed an ancient tower with battlements rising up
amid the trees.

"This looks like an interesting place," observed the Count, "let us
explore it."

"By all means," answered the Baron. And they walked on with that air of
curiosity generally exhibited by strangers when arriving at a place
worth seeing.

"Fine trees and shady walks, really my castle scarcely exhibits anything
finer; if I marry the fair Isabelle, it's just the sort of place I
should like to possess; but we may pay it a hurried visit," said the
Count.

"Then it is the Vrouw Isabelle on whom your regards are fixed?" observed
the Baron.

"It was but a slip of my tongue," said the Count. "I did not intend to
betray my secret."

"All right, my dear Count; to say the truth, my heart has been
captivated by the Vrouw Margaret, so that we shall not be rivals."

"That is a fortunate circumstance," observed the Count, in a somewhat
supercilious tone. "However, you must remember that we, both of us,
have to ascertain the feelings of the ladies; at present we are left
somewhat in the dark on that subject."

"I cannot say that I think so," answered the Baron, drawing up his
shirt-collar. "I flatter myself that the Vrouw Margaret regards me with
peculiar distinction."

"Did I possess more vanity in this case, I might have said the same with
regard to Vrouw Isabelle," said the Count.

"You do, do you!" exclaimed a voice from among the bushes, which made
the Count and the Baron start.

"Who could that have been?" exclaimed the Count.

"Where did it come from?" cried the Baron.

"Let us try to discover the eavesdropper," said the Count.

"We had better not," whispered the Baron. "Depend upon it the person,
whoever he is, is prepared for us. We had better