I could not believe that they were those of a robber. On the other hand, how often does villany shroud itself under a fair mask!—To exchange, however, uncertainty for the certain, I hastened to recover the footpath, and took my way to Rudendorf. There I was sure to learn what I ought to think of the man, who had claimed acquaintance with the owner of the estate, my friend, the Baron Wagen.
It so happened that the baron was just dismounting from his horse as I arrived. He had returned only a few weeks before from a tour through France and England, and this was our first meeting since his travels. In the joy of the interview the blind passenger was forgotten.
“Do you know,” said Wagen, “you come as if called for? It is scarcely an hour since your intended passed through Rudendorf.”
“Who?” I exclaimed in astonishment.
“Your intended, as I tell you. She is going with her aunt to the Spa, and I have just come from accompanying them a few miles on the way.”
