"Well," he cried, "what answer am I to take ?" Still no one moved.
"I've done my part.

Will no one give her the letter ?" he cried.

And he held it up.

"Give me my answer, for I am going." "Take the letter!" The words came from the rear of the group in a voice that startled all.

They turned, as though some one had struck them, and saw the Countess standing beside the hood which covered the stairs.