So the smaller of the two automobiles arrived first at the countess's villa.
The Countess Sophia von Stolberg evidently expecting a visit from the "Automobile Girls," sat at her piano in her drawing-room, playing one of Chopin's nocturnes. At the sound of the automobile outside on the avenue the countess left her music and ran out on her veranda to meet her young visitors. But instead of the four girls a heavy, well-built man in a long dust coat and goggles approached the countess. The countess did not recognize him at once. A suave voice soon enlightened her. "Madame," it said. "I have come to see you on an important matter of business. I must see you alone."
"What business can you have with me, Monsieur Duval?" asked the young countess coldly. But her voice trembled slightly.
"I bring you news of a friend," declared Mr. Duval quietly.
"I have no friends whom you could know, Monsieur," answered the Countess Sophia.
"No?" her visitor replied, shrugging his shoulders and speaking in a light bantering tone. "Shall I inform you, then, and your young friends, whom I now see approaching?"
Ruth's motor car was now in plain sight. The four girls rushed forward to join the countess.
At the same moment the tap-tap of a stick was heard inside the house. Madame de Villiers appeared, followed by Johann with a tray of lemonade.
The countess spoke quickly. "No, no, you must say nothing to me, now. I cannot listen to you. Please go away."
Bab noticed that the countess was trembling when she took her hand.
Monsieur Duval bowed courteously to Ruth. "Mademoiselle," he declared, "I owe you an apology. I fear I am but a poor chauffeur. My car swerved in front of yours on the road. It was unpardonable. I offer you many thanks for your skill. You saved us from a bad smash-up."
Ruth colored. Hot words rose to her lips. But she feared to say too much. She looked at Mr. Duval gravely. "I think, Mr. Duval," she remarked, as suavely as the Frenchman could have spoken, "it will be wise for you not to run a motor car unless you learn how to handle it better. You are right. We were exposed to great danger from your carelessness."
Madame de Villiers now gazed sternly at Monsieur Duval. "Have I the pleasure of your acquaintance?" she inquired coldly, turning her lorgnette on the Frenchman.