--"Mademoiselle, the Prussian Officer wants to speak to you
immediately."

--"To me?"

--"Yes, if you are Mlle. Elizabeth Rousset?"

She became uneasy, reflected a moment, then declared squarely:--"That
may be, but I shall not go."

There was a movement around her; each discussed and speculated as
to the cause of this order. The Count came near her:

--"You are wrong, Madame, because your refusal might bring considerable
trouble not only to you but also to all your traveling companions.
We should never resist those who are the strongest. Assuredly your
compliance with this order cannot involve any danger; no doubt you
are wanted for some forgotten formality"--

All joined the Count in urging her, pressing her, lecturing her and
finally they convinced her; for all of them dreaded complications
which might result from insubordination on her part. At last she
said:

--"I am doing this for your sake, don't forget it."

The Countess took her hand:

--"And we thank you for it."--