The dark scowl on the count's face made absolutely no impression
upon him. He closed the window and followed ten paces behind the couple.
"Your guard is a priceless treasure," said the count grimly.
"That's what you said about the candlestick," said she sweetly.
She was disturbed by his threat to reprimand Baldos. For some time her
mind had been struggling with what the count had said about "the
lesson." It grew upon her that her friend had been bullied and
humiliated, perhaps in the presence of spectators. Resentment fired her
curiosity into action. While the general was explaining one of the new
gun-carriages to the countess, Beverly walked deliberately over to where
Baldos was standing. Haddan's knowledge of English was exceedingly
limited, and he could understand but little of the rapid
conversation. Standing squarely in front of Baldos, she questioned him
in low tones.
"What did he mean when he said he had given you a lesson?" she
demanded. His eyes gleamed merrily.
"He meant to alarm your highness."
"Didn't he give you a talking to?"
"He coached me in ethics."
"You are evading the question, sir. Was he mean and nasty to you? Tell
me; I want to know."
"Well, he said things that a soldier must endure. A civilian or an equal
might have run him through for it, your highness." A flush rose to his
cheeks and his lips quivered ever so slightly.
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