My friend was inclined to think my
conjecture correct, and willingly co-operated with me in a plan to
test the matter. We had no considerable sympathy with the snobbish
parents, whose servility to a title was so apparent; but the
daughter seemed to be an innocent and amiable creature, however
silly, and we determined to spare her the shame of an open scandal.
If our scheme should seem a little melodramatic, it must not be
forgotten that my friend was an author. The next morning, as the
Baron came up the terrace after his visit to the spring, I stepped
forward and greeted him politely, after which I said: "I see by
the strangers' list that you are from East Prussia, Baron; have you
ever been in Poland?" At that moment, a voice behind him called
out rather sharply, "Jean!" The Baron started, turned round and
then back to me, and all his art could not prevent the blood from
rushing to his face. I made, as if by accident, a gesture with my
hand, indicating success, and went a step further.
"Because," said I, "I am thinking of making a visit to Cracow
and Warsaw, and should be glad of any information--"
"Certainly!" he interrupted me, "and I should be very glad to give
it, if I had ever visited Poland.
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