"You seem to know quite a lot about the von Cernogratz legends, Fraulein
Schmidt," she said sharply; "I did not know that family histories were
among the subjects you are supposed to be proficient in."
The answer to her taunt was even more unexpected and astonishing than the
conversational outbreak which had provoked it.
"I am a von Cernogratz myself," said the old woman, "that is why I know
the family history."
"You a von Cernogratz? You!" came in an incredulous chorus.
"When we became very poor," she explained, "and I had to go out and give
teaching lessons, I took another name; I thought it would be more in
keeping. But my grandfather spent much of his time as a boy in this
castle, and my father used to tell me many stories about it, and, of
course, I knew all the family legends and stories. When one has nothing
left to one but memories, one guards and dusts them with especial care. I
little thought when I took service with you that I should one day come
with you to the old home of my family. I could wish it had been anywhere
else."
There was silence when she finished speaking, and then the Baroness
turned the conversation to a less embarrassing topic than family
histories.
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