He
lifted his helmet, and bowed with the greatest courtesy, saying:
"It's an unhappy chance for you, but not for us, that has made you our
prisoner, Mademoiselle Lannes. In this chateau you must consider
yourself a guest, and not a captive. It would not become us to treat
otherwise the sister of one so famous as your brother."
John noticed that he paid her no direct compliment. It was indirect,
coming through her brother, and he liked von Arnheim better than ever,
because the young captive was, in truth, very beautiful. The brown dress
and the sober hood could not hide it as she stood there, the warm red
light from the setting sun glancing across her rosy face and the
tendrils of golden hair that fell from beneath the hood. She was
beautiful beyond compare, John repeated to himself, but scarcely more
than a child, and she had come into strange places. The stalwart Suzanne
also took note, and she moved a little nearer, while her grim look
deepened.
"We will give you the best hospitality the house affords," continued von
Arnheim. "It's scarcely equipped for ladies, although the former owners
left--"
He paused and reddened. John knew his embarrassment was due to the fact
that the house to which he was inviting Julie belonged to one of her own
countrymen. But she did not seem to notice it. The manner and appearance
of von Arnheim inspired confidence.
"We'll be put with the other prisoners, of course," said John
tentatively.
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