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Portrait of the artist

Engelburg. The name resonated in Nichol's mind. Of course-- this was where Gabriel had met and loved Gisela Weisse, a young ward of the household already promised in marriage. If the authenticity of Hildegarde's letters could be verified, this would be a powerful discovery indeed.

Nichol studied the letters at length while Hildegarde waited. Nichol sensed her confidence in the find. "Are more of Lysander's things at the burg?"

Hildegarde watched her closely-- too closely. Nichol began to redden, afraid Hildegarde was considering her personal interest in Lysander. "I don't know what belonged to Gabriel. I haven't the faintest notion about antique things. I am no expert." She arched a brow. "But you are, Miss Durand."

Nichol looked at her incredulously, wondering if there was an underlying implication to Hildegarde's words, or if she were going mad. "I am studied in artifacts-- yes."

Again Hildegarde was watching her, not as though she was making conjectures on Nichol's mind but studying her person in every detail. Nichol flushed again, considering her flung-up dull-colored hair, her eyes, which surely must be shadowed, beneath wide-rimmed glasses.

Then Hildegarde nodded. "I think you should come to Engelburg and see for yourself. "

Nichol stared at her in astonished silence. It was almost too good to be true-- and she was a little afraid of good fortune.

Sent from Amanda's Treo @-'-,--

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