“You look very nice today,” said Matthew. “I hardly recognized you.” He stopped himself almost immediately and got a sheepish look on his face. “Well, actually,” he said, “I recognized you the second I saw you, because I’d been looking at every face for yours. I mean, all I was trying to say was that you’ve grown and… oh, good grief, I don’t know! You just look nice, that’s all.”

Sabina laughed. “Thank you, Matthew.”

It is so nice to be with someone who isn’t trying to impress or put on an act or show, she thought to herself.

“And you look quite the dashing diplomat yourself,” she said merrily. “I shouldn’t think it will be long before you are representing some United States president abroad yourself!”

“Don’t I wish!” rejoined Matthew. “But to tell you the truth, I’d much rather be in a different garb and in a different place.”

“Oh yes,” exclaimed Sabina, “like in a garden?”

“Right! Or on horseback.”

“Or romping through a pinewood!”

“Anywhere but in a tuxedo!” groaned Matthew.

“Diplomats can’t hate tuxedos.”

“This one does.”

“How about… in a dungeon?” suggested Sabina playfully.

“Perfect! Has your father found the dungeon yet?”

Sabina laughed.

Never, thought Matthew, have I heard such a beautiful laugh.

“No, but he keeps looking,” answered Sabina.

“I haven’t forgotten that you promised I would hear the old legend of the place next time I came for a visit.”

“I intend for you to hear the whole thing! How long can you and your father stay?”

“I don’t know. I think two or three days.”

Gradually they relaxed as they danced, hardly noticing when the music stopped. Another piece began and he took her in his arms again.

“Oh, Morgenblätter—it’s one of my favorites,” said Sabina as they started up once more.

Suddenly they found themselves brushing by Gustav, who was leading Sabina’s cousin across the floor somewhat recklessly.

“If it isn’t my provincial cousin,” said Brigitte, laughing but with a sarcastic tone.

Sabina did her best to ignore the comment.

“Now, now, my dear,” chided Gustav loudly, “don’t speak ill of my future wife.”

Matthew saw Sabina’s face turn bright red. It was not the red of embarrassment but rather of anger. Her eyes flashed and nostrils flared.

How could he say such a thing… and in front of Matthew… in front of everybody? filmed Sabina.

Matthew tried to steer Sabina away from them, but Gustav kept himself and his partner close by. The smell of wine was evident about his presence.

“Oh, Gustav, she’s only a country innocent. She’s not nearly woman enough for you.”

“You may be right, Brigitte,” said Gustav, sighing and drawing his hand to his chest with affectation. “But what can I do? The alliance was sealed when we were children, and the young thing is madly in love with me.”