When Ponok’s footsteps had died away in the distance, there was only silence, the stars overhead and moonlight, which revealed Roxana’s face as she lifted it towards the Count’s enquiringly.
“What is it?” she asked, as if she thought that he had something special to say to her.
“I have to thank you for an enchanting evening,” he replied.
“Was it really enchanting?”
“That is not really the right word because there is nothing in my vocabulary to express what you have given me.”
“I am glad it has – pleased you.”
The Count smiled.
“‘Pleased’ is not very expressive, but it will have to do for the moment.”
Roxana waited.
He had not released her hand and now she felt herself waiting as she had waited for the Ketjak with a feeling that seemed to grow in intensity.
“I cannot thank you in
