The Governess, or, The Baroness in Disguise ... Translated by H. A. M. H

Chapter I. Snow

had fallen for the first time — winter had come. Autumn had struggled fiercely against November's rude blasts, but had been obliged to yield. This victory, however, had not satisfied the elements ; they were bent on plunder, for the wind had blown the withered leaves from off the trees and shrubs and driven them to and fro in wild dances, or else whirled them in clouds of dust round the heads of terrified mortals, whistling angrily the while in their ears, " Memento mori." When nothing more was left to tear or destroy, window-panes were violently shaken, while tiles and chimney-pots were scattered in all directions. At last night came, and winter arrived in all his glory, covering the poor bewildered earth with his soft, white mantle. Next morning the sun peeped through the grey clouds, pouring its rays on the sun covered capital of M — .

On all sides was I! heard the cry, " Snow has fallen— winter is here at last." The miserable autumn weather had brought back the inhabitants of M— sooner than usual from their country-seats or travels, so the interval between the autumn and the opening of the winter season, which is generally filled up in the country by hunting and shooting parties, had been long and tedious. At last, however, one of the aristo cratic circle took compassion on the universal ennui. A week had elapsed since invitations had been issued for the opening ball of the season, which was to take place on the evening with which my story commences. Evening closed in, and as the sun sank behind the horizon the clouds clustered more thickly together ; flake after flake fell softly and silently, erasing every footmark and wheel-rut.

This was specially seen at the entrance to Baron Lossow's residence, where red torches threw their flickering light over the smooth white snow, lighting up the elegant carriages which drove up one after another, and attracting the gaze of many curious spectators who pressed forward in hopes of gaining a sight of the brilliantly lighted hall. Through the door might be seen men-servants in the rich livery of the house of Lossow, receiving the guests and conducting them up the grand staircase, which was richly decorated with flowers. We will watch the movements of two ladies, an elder and a younger, who have just ascended the staircase, and are entering a cloak-room, arranged so as to imitate a tent, with light blue damask hangings and high mirrors that tended to intensify the brilliance of the wax candles, as they threw their light on a number of dainty little tables covered with every variety of fans, flowers, veils, ribbons, gloves, and silk shoes.

Two maids were here to receive the ladies, relieve them of their warm wraps, arranging a fold here, a puff or a flounce there, and finally they pro ceeded to spread out their trains with as much care and importance as though the ladies' toilettes not only concerned themselves but the honour of the house. One more smiling glance at their reflection in the glass, and then the doors of the ball room are thrown open. We learn from the announcement in the butler's stentorian voice that they are mother and daughter, Countess Rheinsberg and Countess Julie. The ball room, out of which open many smaller apart ments — all alike in their extravagant splendour — is already filled with representatives of both the aristocratic and diplomatic circles ; bright uniforms are seen dotted about amongst the black dress-coats ; the gorgeous toilettes of the ladies and the mild, subdued light of the candles is somewhat deceiving, making us be lieve there are none but beauties in the room.

All are far surpassed, however, by a girl who has just returned Prince G — 's bow, handing him her engagement card, on which he writes his name for the " Cotillon," whereupon they engage in lively talk. The Prince's eyes, as well as those of the whole assembly, are fastened on this girl in admiration. She is Bianca, Baron Lossow's step-daughter, whom he had adopted. Late in life he had married her mother, a beautiful young widow, since whose death his whole love had been centred on her child. At the first glance we see that she is not a German, but an Italian — the delicate Roman profile, the pale complexion, the dark expressive eyes, and the profusion of black hair combed straight back from her forehead — these are found to perfection only amongst the children of I taly. The tea-rose coloured satin which covers her stately form and the tea-roses in her hair enhance the beauty of her Italian appearance.

The ever varying expression of her face betrays the active spirit within. In her movements she is not Italian, for, though full of grace, there is a measured stately composure about her carriage, and, above all, a certain pride, which, though decidedly displayed, has something noble in its aspect. Now she has discovered the Countess and her daughter ; with queenly grace she leaves the Prince and joins her friends, who have just been welcomed by her step-father and his brother's widow, who, since his wife's death, has taken the place of lady of the house. While the two young girls mix with the other guests, Baron Lossow conducts the Countess to a seat, and the invitation a la danse strikes up, drawing together all the young couples on dancing bent. It was a charming sight to see the numerous pairs formed up for the artistic figures of the polonaise, and then gliding over the smooth floor to the slow time of a true German waltz.

The eyes of the Baron and the Countess followed the movements of their respective daughters with great pride. The Countess frequently turned to watch Baroness Lossow, who was apparently watching the door as though in expectation of some special arrival. It would be difficult to learn from her manner whether this arrival were desired or dreaded. At first sight the Baroness, small and delicate in form, appeared rather younger than she really was ; her matronly dignity was some what impaired by a certain anxiety and restlessness in her looks and manner, without giving her the freshness of youth in return. At this moment her fingers were busily employed snapping the clasp of her costly bracelet, till at last the Countess could no longer repress a smile, as she said, playfully — " Baron, I think your sister-in-law must have a surprise in store for us ; she looks as though she could no longer keep it to herself."

The Baron, a short, dumpy little man, turned his kindly face towards his sister-inlaw, who, anticipating him in what he was going to say, and laughing nervously, said quickly — " Oh, no ! How could I prepare any sur prise for you ; I am not nearly clever enough for such things, but I have a presentiment of—" " Not a misfortune ? That would not quite suit us to-night, dear Susanna," inter rupted Baron Lossow, a little impatiently. " We do not wish for that just as we are again beginning to enjoy life ; spare us your fears this evening, at least. These fancies are always more easily fought against in day- Hght-" It was plainly seen how anxious this jovial Baron became at the fears of his superstitious sister-in-law, whose Cassandra-like fore bodings jarred on his happiest moments, and although deeply attached to her, his patience and his kind heart had often been sorely tried.

" You are joking," said the little woman, playing now with the fringe of her Indian crepe shawl, instead of with her bracelet. " I have long given up telling you of my* fears, for you always ridicule them, even although they are often realized." " Preserve us," rejoined the Baron, smiling, and then asked, good-naturedly, laying his hand on hers, " Now, then, if it is not some thing very dreadful, what do you fear to-night?" She was quite softened, and replied, anxiously — " I fancy, dear Roderick, that Werner will arrive this evening." " I should be very glad to see him," remarked the Countess, smiling. "Oh, yes! so would I," answered the Baroness, " but — " " But," interrupted the Baron, laughing, " you think his temper will not be of the best if he does appear. Perhaps you are right there, but we cannot expect better of him.

Werner should have been the first to be invited, and now he has not only not been asked, but he has been quite forgotten, poor fellow ! However, I shall not eat humble pie before him if he tries his reproaches on me, and I promise to protect you. Let him fight it out with Bianca, for she is a culprit. Another time I shall have to write out the invitations myself, if she plays me such tricks, and forgets the principal guests. Those two are constantly fighting, so that one more quarrel will not matter. Besides, it is not likely that he will chance to take his leave to-day." " It will not be by chance," said the Baroness, " but the universal excitement amongst the young people over this ball has been so great that very likely some of Werner's friends have mentioned it to him in writing, hoping to see him here, and if this is the case, Werner is just the man to take the first train from N — , and ask for explana tions of this offence, the origin of which he will have no difficulty in finding."

" The young Baron has just arrived," announced a servant, at this moment, and the two ladies glanced rather timidly towards the door, whilst the old Baron laughed, and said — " There now ! Tell my nephew, Johann," turning to the servant, " that we were just expecting him, and beg of him to hasten up stairs." While Johann went to deliver his message, Baron Lossow continued, " Now*, for your sake, dear Susanna, I am very glad that for once your fears were not unfounded. You cannot be too grateful to your son for the service he has rendered you in coming here to-night." There was no time for the nervous little woman to reply, for her son had already appeared in the doorway. The Baroness rose to welcome him. " My dear son," she began, with a nervous smile, and giving him her hand, " what piece of luck brings you here to-night?

We were just speaking of you and regretting — " " Not having invited me, eh ? Hardly that or else you would not have omitted me," he said, lightly, hastily taking his mother's out stretched hand. " But I cannot understand it ; I have friends who, in the innocent supposition that my uncle's nephew and heir should know what happens or does not Til E GOVERNESS. 9 happen in his house, wrote of your gaieties in joyful expectation, and, therefore, gave me an opportunity of coming this evening, although I have had no invitation. How are you, mother?" he continued, fixing his eyes on her for one moment in the midst of his wandering glances round the room, " Are you still the victim of your nerves? I often pity you ; it must be tiresome to be always under the power of such useless things." The Baroness smiled at her son, and said, hesitatingly — " Oh !

Werner, when I have you with me in such good humour I am troubled with no nerves." Werner looked rather unbelieving, but gave his thoughts no outlet on the subject, for he and his mother now stopped beside the Countess and the old Baron. The voung officer bowed respectfully, and his hand was seized heartily by his uncle, who began, gaily — " You are all the more welcome here, my dear Werner, because we really do not deserve your presence. I, however, am not guilty of omitting to send you a formal invitation ; I only knew of it half an hour ago ; you must ask Bianca about it ; she is the offender, as usual. Let her do penance for her fault ; you know well enough how to deal with her." " Thanks for the kind permission, uncle," replied Werner, not looking very much like a conqueror, " but I fear I have already put Bianca to the greatest penance by my presence, and I shall probably end by asking her pardon for being here at all."

The Countess shook her head, and said, somewhat ironically — " Really, Baron, I should like to look on and hear that. My imagination cannot picture Werner Lossow in such a position as that. I do not grudge you your quarrel with your cousin, though I have heard it said of such cases, those who tease, love one another! " " You are mistaken, Countess," corrected Werner, frowning slightly, " this is not the case with my cousin. Allow me now to go in search of the two inseparable friends, who have apparently deserted their partners and retired to the red drawing-room. I shall have more courage to face my fair antagonist if Countess Julie is present." He bowed and started on his quest, but was surrounded and detained by others before he could reach his destination. The eyes of both his mother and uncle followed with pride and delight the hand some hussar officer.

He had inherited his mother's grey eyes and fair hair, but other wise he in no way resembled her. Her whole appearance was one of feebleness and anxiety, arising chiefly from physical causes, and affecting both her bodily and mental health. She was so frail and delicate-looking that it seemed as though it must be a burden to her to support even her own frame. Her son, on the contrary, was the picture of health, tall, and powerfully built, with well-formed, regular features, and an expression of indomitable passion and pride in his large grey eyes, which often gave way to a look of ennui and boredom He was looked on as the handsomest man in the garrison town of N — . It was well known that not only his comrades looked on him as such, but that the ladies idolized him far more than was good for him, in consequence of which his conceit and want of consideration knew* no bounds.

He was always greatly annoyed that his cousin did not do homage to him ; refused, indeed, to accept his devotion, and had even the boldness to show him openly that neither his love nor her father's entreaties could induce her to change her conduct towards him. The old Baron, as well as others, believed this manner to be only a little coyness on her part, which must at last end in the wished-for marriage — for she had refused her hand to all other suitors. Her father thought he could answer for her feelings, and urged his nephew to have patience, being sure that she loved her cousin in spite of everything, and would give her hand to no other but him. Werner was therefore convinced also, and though reason frequently whispered a warning in his ear, his self-conceit came to his aid, and reminded him that no one could surpass him in rank, except, perhaps, Prince THE GO VE RNESS. 12 G— , and of him he had ceased being jealous, for Bianca was too much at her ease with him than to allow of there being anything more than friendly interest, and a pleasure in his chivalrous manners.

Werner's one comfort was that she favoured no other in particular, so he was sure she was only putting him on trial, and would end by giving him her hand. The young man entered the red drawing room, and with a hasty glance took in all the little groups of people who had retired there from the ball-room. The two friends were engaged in eager conversation, sitting on a round ottoman, from the centre of which rose an umbrella palm, shading the two girlish heads, the dark and the fair forming a lovely contrast. They were seated with their backs to the door, so they had not perceived Werner's entrance. Julie stood up at that moment to speak to an elderly lady. Bianca also rose, and as she turned she saw Werner standing before her. He bowed without moving a muscle of his face. She responded with a slight inclination of her beautiful head, whilst she laughingly said, in a tone of the greatest amazement — "Ah!

Baron Werner! you here? I must say you seem to know how to take people by surprise." " If you were pleased at the surprise, Baroness Bianca, you would have put the little word ' pleasant ' before it ; as you have left it out I can only conclude that my presence here is not pleasing to you." " You have not given me time to think of that, dear Werner," she replied, heartily, offering him her hand ; " but I promise to consider it, and give you an answer to-morrow morning if — I hope you are going to give us the pleasure of your company for longer than this evening ? " " Certainly ; I have a week's leave, and on condition you have nothing against it — " "Against your leave?" she asked, playfully. " No, Werner dear ; how should I ? And even if I had, I am not your command ing officer, I am thankful to say, so I should have no right to stop it."

" Bianca," said the young man, testily, stamping more violently on the red carpet than was in harmony with good taste, " do not anger me by this intended misunder standing. I do not speak of my leave — you never will let me finish what I want to say. I was about to add, if you have nothing against my spending it with you." " I," said Bianca, coolly, glancing with surprise at the elegant foot which had dared to make itself heard in her presence. " What should I have against that, pro vided — But won't you take a seat ? You look tired." She drew her heavy train aside and sat down on the ottoman, the red velvet forming a magnificent background for the beautiful southern form in the tea-rose-coloured robe. Werner forced back his rising indignation at her sarcastic remark, and took the place by her side, asking — " Provided — ?"

" Provided you do not intend treating us to any want of good manners, or else — " "Well?" " Or else / should take leave of absence during your visit, and avail myself of one of the invitations my friends are kind enough to give me, which I rarely accept, as I am so happy at home. In this case, however, my object would make a difference." Once more the young officer felt his blood rising, but he knew that if he dared speak another angry word Bianca would carry out her threat unconditionally. Yet how beautiful she was ! He seemed to love her more than ever. If only she would give him a single friendly word ! He controlled himself, and said, softly — " Bianca, how can you have the heart to be so cruel to me, when you know that I long for nothing in the world so much as for a loving word from you.

You should really make an end of all this, and not put my love and patience to such a severe test. Believe me, I cannot stand it for long ; it tortures me whenever I seek your presence." "Avoid it then! I think I have made that easy enough for you." ' Yes, just because you know you thus attract me all the more. May I ask if it was on that account, or for any other reason, you wished to banish me from your ball this evening ? " She breathed freely again at the turn the conversation had taken, and laughed heartily, turning her lovely face towards him once more. " Really, Werner, that was not my reason ; I am very sorry about it." His face brightened. " Do you mean that ? Had you then no intention of — ? " " Certainly not, my dear cousin ; I had totally forgotten you! " She left him no time to reply to this flattering confession, for she saw by the gleam of his eye how angry he was, so she called to the young Countess, who was standing a few yards distant — " Come, Julie, you are wanted here.

We must see if we have not a vacant dance on our cards for Werner." " Then I am afraid we shall search in vain," replied the girl, responding to Werner's bow. "You arrived just too late, Baron Lossow, and you will have to be contented with some ' extras.' " " Well," answered Werner, with a shrug of his shoulders, " that is indeed a consolation ! There are not many who are honoured with ' extras ' when it is a question of dancing with Countess Julie or Baroness Bianca." " That is our affair, I should think," said Bianca, with a slight toss of her pretty head. "I will give you as many 'extras' as you like." " You are very kind, Bianca." " Not at all. I must make up for my really unintentional sin of omission — that is all. But you must promise to talk with me quietly and reasonably like other people.

Aunt Susanna says if we quarrel on Monday we shall quarrel every day in the week, so you see if you and I fall out to-night we shall be subjected to the same fate at all other balls this season." Werner tried to join in Julie's laugh, and said — " I am accustomed to be favoured by you on conditions which generally result in the favour being withheld, as I have frequently experienced. But as you do not make it quite clear to me what you mean by the quiet conversation of reasonable people, per haps you will be good enough to supply the subject of conversation yourself, so that I may not make a false move." " With pleasure," replied Bianca, in the best humour possible ; " perhaps the weather, or your journey to-day, or even your horse — I think there will be no difficulty." " Nor do I, if we keep to such subjects as those."

" You are to blame yourself, Baron, for Bianca issuing her orders to you in this way," said Julie, laughing. " Why do you allow it?" " Because, Countess, I have learnt as a soldier that all fortresses are not taken by storm, but that perseverance and patience more often win the day." Bianca's brow darkened so at this remark that Werner thought it advisable to change the subject, which he did by pointing out some men approaching them. " I must now give way to others more favoured than I. Put in a good word for me, Countess, so that my cousin may not forget her promise. Aus Wiedersehen, meine Dam en ! " Julie promised to do as he asked her, but Bianca replied, with her own peculiar toss of the head — "It rests with you whether I forget or not; if I promise, I fulfil it, however disagreeable it may be to me, a riverderci !"

Dancing began afresh, and Werner, who had come too late to secure a single partner, occupied himself by watching Bianca, without annoying her, however, as she had feared, and claiming an extra turn at the end of each dance. Sometimes he approached during the pauses to bring her refreshment, or to take her over to her father, or to look for the fan she had mislaid. He took such trouble to be quiet and reasonable that she felt relieved, and was more friendly to him than usual, he seemed so chivalrously polite. c When she saw him leaning against a pillar during the cotillon and not dancing at all, she felt something like pity for him, and gave him her first order to dance with her. She did not see the triumphant gleam of his eye as he bent over her and took her hand, whispering — " Bianca, this is the first time you have sought me out.

May I look on it as a sign that at last you — " At his first word she liberated her hand from his with a gesture of impatience, and said, abruptly — " Will you be kind enough to take me back to my place ? " " You will not dance with me ? " " No, it is not my wish now." " But you had promised me — " " I regret my promise ; I ought to have known that you would not keep your part of the contract. Your object in coming here seems only to annoy me." She started to make her way across the room by herself, so Werner speedily offered her his arm, and said, testily — " But, Bianca, it is not my fault that everything annoys you, which to any other would be—" "A great pleasure, you were going to say," she interrupted. " If you are so'sure of that, I cannot understand why you do not give that great pleasure to someone else who would appreciate it, and leave me in peace.

I have often enough told you that I can never agree to your wishes, or look on you in any other light than as a cousin, to whom I confess I have always been attached, until you began to pester me in such an ungentlemanly manner ; you have now carried it so far that it cannot be disguised as a joke before the public, but must have the appearance of very bad taste. I hope this may be the last time I have to tell the Freiherr von Lossow what are becoming manners towards a lady, and I heartily wish that from henceforth we may be the best of friends as we were when children." Werner's face wore a brazen smile. Why should he show others that, after having received orders from his cousin to dance with her, she had changed her mind. He knew he deserved it, notwithstanding. If anyone could have seen the expression in his eyes, they would have prophesied no good to Bianca.

" I thank you for condescending to tell a Lossow how he should behave to ladies. I hope I shall, some day, find an opportunity of showing you I have found your information useful! It is easy for you to allow the renewal of our old friendship ; you forget we are children no longer, but you are right in saying that it is not a case of joking between us, but serious earnest. Spare my cousin, your Highness," he continued, addressing the prince, who rose to receive his partner. " She is tired out with dancing, and I have had to resign my ' extra ' in consequence. If I were you I should forbid your partner any extra turns." " Easier said than done, my dear Lossow," answered the Prince ; " if I tried that on with Baroness Lossow I should lose her good opinion at once." " Your Highness is right ; that is lost very easily.

We spoil the ladies too much. If we were to try the same game on them, our fair tyrants would soon learn to be submissive." With a bow, meant more for the Prince than for his cousin, Werner left them, and much to Bianca's relief, did not come near her for the rest of the evening. All the same she alone was the object of his looks and thoughts, and he had to exercise the greatest self-control to suppress his angry feelings. He purposely avoided both his mother and uncle. The latter came up to him as the ball was drawing to a close, and said, laying his hand on his nephew's shoulder — " Now, Werner, how do you stand with Bianca ? Have you quarrelled again ? You should make an end of this child's play." " My dear uncle, it is at an end. Bianca has told me so in such a manner that I dare not broach the subject with her again.

Do not let us speak of it, please." " Now, now, Werner, do not be so easily vexed. You know my little girl will not stand that. You must not take up this line but bide your time calmly." " As to that, uncle, I think I have had the most admirable patience for years, and yet this very evening I have been told that my conduct is unworthy of a gentleman and un bearable. She is right ; I will try to correct my mistake, she may be sure of that, and in the meantime I entreat of you, do not speak more of it ; I will endeavour to submit man fully." " Indeed, young man ! speak no more of it!" replied his uncle, laconically. "And yet you will be the first to start the subject to-morrow morning, I know that. You can not go on in this way, neither shall you, for even yet you two will make a happy pair.

But do take the other way of going about it ; I have more knowledge of women in general, and Bianca in particular, than you have, so you ought to believe me and follow my advice. The happy days when the young man poured forth modest and eloquent words of love into the ears of the maiden, and she, with a tender blush, whispered a scarcely coherent ' yes ; ' these are tempi passati. Nowadays young people seem to think it necessary to hate each other heartily first, or at least make one another's hearts and lives miserable, before they recognize their mutual love ; otherwise love has no charm for them. This is not found only in novels, but un fortunately in everyday life as well. Bianca too is so spoilt ; she is so much admired by all who come across her that she takes it as a matter of course, as long as it does not annoy her; then, unhappily, she mercilessly turns her back on the object of her dis pleasure, and shakes off for ever the un appreciated homage.