"A lady of higher quality? Higher quality presupposes greater merit,
and you will do well to bear in mind, Herr von Pohlen, that this lady
is my mother's guest, and, as such, is under my most special
protection. Any mortification or insult inflicted on her is also
inflicted on me."

"Gentlemen, I beg the conversation may not become serious, but retain
the bantering tone in which I began it. Let what has been said lead to
nothing unpleasant," interrupted the general, in a pacifying manner.
"Herr von Pohlen will, of course, remember what he owes to the inmates
of this hospitable mansion. You two fortunate knights must vie with
each other as to who shall win the favor of this young maiden, who is
as beautiful as a dream. For myself, I lament nothing so much as my
sixty years, which prevent me from entering the lists with you."

Alexander rose as the old man finished speaking, and as he passed down
the steps, said:

"If agreeable, let us find the ladies now, General; they are, I think,
awaiting us on the lawn."

He paused abruptly, for at the foot of the steps stood Carmen, as if
irresolute whether to advance or withdraw. She had evidently heard the
foregoing conversation, for she was very pale and trembled slightly.
The young officer descended quickly toward her, as she raised her head,
and calmly waited for him to pass. As he came up to where she stood,
she whispered softly:

"I thank you!" and a gentle glance from the beautiful black eyes