In the little accident he had got possession of the basket.

Thereupon he passed it to his left hand and offered Vjera his right arm.
"Did the insolent fellow hurt you ?" he asked anxiously, in Polish.
"Oh no--only give me my basket!" Vjera's face was painfully flushed.
"No, my dear child," said the Count, gravely.

"You will not deny me the pleasure of accompanying you and of carrying your burden.

Afterwards, if you will, we can take a little walk together, before I see you to your home." "You are always so kind to me," answered the girl, bending her head, as though to hide her burning cheeks, but submitting at last to his will.
For some minutes they walked on in silence.

Then Vjera showed by a gesture that she wished to cross the street, on the other side of which was situated one of the principal hotels of the city.