"
Leonore, rigid with surprise, first stared at Loneli, then looked at the
mother.
Mrs. Maxa took Leonore's hand and led her to the Baron, who had
smilingly surveyed the scene.
"I think that her uncle is going to make his little niece a speech at
last," Mrs. Maxa said, placing Leonore's hand in her uncle's. Like a
flash comprehension dawned on Leonore.
"Dear uncle, dear uncle!" she cried out, embracing him tenderly. "Is it
really true that you are my uncle? Is this wonderful thing really true?"
"Yes, child, I am the uncle you longed to love like a father," said the
Baron. "I want to be your father and I hope you can love me a little.
Will you mind living with me, Leonore?"
"Oh, dear, dear uncle," Leonore repeated with renewed signs of warm
affection. "It is not very hard to love you. When you told me that my
uncle in Spain was sick and miserable, I wished he could be just like
you. I really can't quite believe that Salo and I may live with you in
this wonderful castle, where I can be so near Aunt Maxa and everybody I
love. I wonder what Salo will say. May I write to him today and let him
know that we shall have a home with you?"
"How do you do, Mr. Castle-Steward,"
Maezli said that moment, thrusting a plump, round hand between Leonore's
and the Baron's. Maezli had actually made use of the first moment her
hand was free.
"Now Kurt can see for himself that you and Mr. Trius are two people;
can't he, Mr.
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