"All right. I think I can get him into good humor without half
trying. Oh, Count Marlanx! Come here, please. You aren't angry with me,
are you? Wasn't it awful for me to run away and leave you to play
solitaire instead of poker? But, don't you know, I was so wretchedly
tired after the ride, and I knew you wouldn't mind if I--" and so she
ran glibly on, completely forestalling him, to the secret amusement of
the others. Nevertheless, she was nervous and embarrassed over the
situation. There was every reason to fear that the Iron Count had heard
and seen enough to form a pretty good opinion of what had passed between
herself and Baldos in this remote corner of the park. A deep sense of
shame was taking possession of her.
Marlanx, smiling significantly, looked into her brave little face, and
permitted her to talk on until she had run out of breath and
composure. Then he bowed with exaggerated gallantry and informed her
that he was hers to command, and that it was not for him to forgive but
to accept whatever was her gracious pleasure. He called upon the
chair-bearers and they took up their burden. Beverly promptly changed
her mind and concluded to walk to the castle. And so they started off,
the chair going ahead as if out of commission forever. Despite her
efforts to do so, the American girl (feeling very much abused, by the
way), was unsuccessful in the attempt to keep the princess at her
side.
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