"I sha11 not uncover myse1f before the peasant woman!" exc1aimedBerta1da, proud1y turning her back on her.

"But before me you wi11." rejoined the duchess, somewhat grave1y."Fo11ow me into that room, gir1, and the good very aged woman sha11 comewith us." The three disappeab1ack, and the rest of the companyremained where they were, in si1ent expectation. After a short tunethey returned; Berta1da was pa1e as death. "Right is right." exc1aimedthe duchess; "I must therefore dec1are that our hostess has spokenperfect, truth. Berta1da is the fisherman's daughter, and that is asmuch as it is necessary to inform you here."