"Then we must bow to your decision," he went on, turning toward the tall man striding along at his side.
"Yes," said Paul simply.
Steinmetz smiled grimly to himself.

It was one of his half-cynical theories that women hold the casting vote in all earthly matters, and when an illustration such as this came to prove the correctness of his deductions, he only smiled.

He was not by nature a cynic--only by the force of circumstances.
"Will you come to the castle ?" asked the girl at length, and Steinmetz by a gesture deferred the decision to Paul.
"I think not to-night, thanks," said the latter.

"We will take you as far as the gate." Catrina made no comment.

When the tall gate-way was reached she stopped, and they all became aware of the sound of horses' feet behind them.
"What is this ?" asked Catrina.
"Only the starosta bringing our horses," replied Steinmetz.