Well , keep on the watch , and tell me if you make any discoveries , for I will find the baron . '' Being hungry , Amy devoted herself to her dinner , till dessert was on the table . She was languidly eating grapes , while Helen talked with the major , when the word `` baron '' caught her ear . The speakers sat at a table behind her , so that she could not see them without turning quite round , which was impossible ; but she listened eagerly to the following scrap of chat : -- `` Is the baron going on to-morrow ? '' asked a gay voice in French . `` Yes , he is bound for Baden-Baden . The season is at its height , and he must make his game while the ball is rolling , or it is all up with the open-handed Sigismund , '' answered a rough voice . `` Wo n't his father pardon the last escapade ? '' asked a third , with a laugh . `` No , and he is right . The duel was a bad affair , for the man almost died , and the baron barely managed to get out of the scrape through court influence . When is the wedding to be ? '' `` Never , Palsdorf says . There is everything but love in the bargain , and he swears he 'll not agree to it . I like that . '' `` There is much nobleness in him , spite of his vagaries . He will sow his wild oats and make a grand man in time . By the by , if we are going to the fortress , we must be off . Give Sigismund the word ; he is dining at the other table with Power , '' said the gay voice . `` Take a look at the pretty English girl as you go by ; it will do your eyes good , after the fat Frauleins we have seen of late , '' added the rough one .
Three gentlemen rose , and as they passed XXXXX stole a glance at them ; but seeing several pairs of eyes fixed on herself , she turned away blushing , with the not unpleasant consciousness that `` the pretty English girl '' was herself .
Amy Baden-Baden English Frauleins French Helen Sigismund duel right third