quickly, when
suddenly she uttered an ejaculation of displeased :

"Ah--Count Westerburg!"

The young man had approached and bowed.

"What a happy coincidence! How could I  that Fraulein Marietta
Volkmar would take so early a walk in the park!"

Marietta stood still and measured the speaker from head to foot. Her
voice had a half-angry, half-contemptuous sound as she answered:

"I do not believe in this coincidence, Herr Count. You cross my path
too often and persistently for that, although I have shown you
sufficiently how annoying your attentions are to me."

"Yes, you are endlessly cruel to me," said the Count, reproachfully,
but with undeniable impertinence. "You do not accept my calls, refuse
my flowers and offerings, and do not even return my greetings when I
pass you by. What have I done to you? I have ventured to lay homage at
your feet in the form of jewels, which you returned to me----"

"With the request that you discontinue such impertinences once for
all," interrupted the young girl vehemently. "I protest, besides,
against your continued advances. You have actually lain in wait for me
here."

"Mon Dieu! I only wished to beg your