This made us all the more inquisitive as to what had passed between him and the lady in the black velvet, in the brief but earnest interview that had immediately preceded her departure.

We were scarcely alone, when I entreated him to tell me.  He did not need much pressing.

“There is no particular reason why I should not tell you.  She expressed a reluctance to trouble us with the care of her daughter, saying she was in delicate health, and nervous, but not subject to any kind of seizure—­she volunteered that—­nor to any illusion; being, in fact, perfectly sane.”

“How very odd to say all that!” I interpolated.  “It was so unnecessary.”

“At all events it was said,” he laughed, “and as you wish to know all that passed, which was indeed very little, I tell you.  She then said, ’I am making a long journey of vital importance—­she emphasized the word—­rapid and secret; I shall return for my child in three months; in the meantime, she will be silent as to who we are, whence we come, and whither we are traveling.’  That is all she said.  She spoke very pure French.  When she said the word ‘secret,’ she paused for a few seconds, looking sternly, her eyes fixed on mine.  I fancy she makes a great point of that.  You saw how quickly she was gone.  I hope I have not done a very foolish thing, in taking charge of the young lady.”

For my part, I was delighted.  I was longing to see and talk to her; and only waiting till the doctor should give me leave.  You, who live in towns, can have no idea how great an event the introduction of a new friend is, in such a solitude as surrounded us.

The doctor did not arrive till nearly one o’clock; but I could no more have gone to my bed and slept, than I could have overtaken, on foot, the carriage in which the princess in black velvet had driven away.

When the physician came down to the drawing room, it was to report very favorably upon his patient.  She was now sitting up, her pulse quite regular, apparently perfectly well.  She had sustained no injury, and the little shock to her nerves had passed away quite harmlessly.  There could be no harm certainly in my seeing her, if we both wished it; and, with this permission I sent, forthwith, to know whether she would allow me to visit her for a few minutes in her room.

The servant returned immediately to say that she desired nothing more.

You may be sure I was not long in availing myself of this permission.

Our visitor lay in one of the handsomest rooms in the schloss.  It was, perhaps, a little stately.  There was a somber piece of tapestry opposite the foot of the bed, representing Cleopatra with the asps to her bosom; and other solemn classic scenes were displayed, a little faded, upon the other walls.  But there was gold carving, and rich and varied color enough in the other decorations of the room, to more than redeem the gloom of the old tapestry.