name. I explain this that you may not say anything imprudent by
accident. Keep your ears open and be cautious.' Having said this
the Baron retreated again to his place.

'Then he is a wicked man after all!' she said to herself; 'for he is
going under a false name.' But she soon had the temerity not to mind
it: wickedness of that sort was the one ingredient required just now
to finish him off as a hero in her eyes.

They descended a hill, passed a lodge, then up an avenue; and
presently there beamed upon them the light from other carriages,
drawn up in a file, which moved on by degrees; and at last they
halted before a large arched doorway, round which a group of people
stood.

'We are among the latest arrivals, on account of the distance,' said
the Baron, reappearing. 'But never mind; there are three hours at
least for your enjoyment.'

The steps were promptly flung down, and they alighted. The steam
from the flanks of their swarthy steeds, as they seemed to her,
ascended to the parapet of the porch, and from their nostrils the hot
breath jetted forth like smoke out of volcanoes, attracting the
attention of all.



CHAPTER V