"Well, my modesty forbids me to explain how far the rumor is true.
But, the fact is, she has given me the most unmistakable proofs of her
favor. Of course, a man who has seen as much of the world as I have
cannot be expected to reciprocate such a passion in its sentimental
aspects; but from its--what shall I say?"
"Say, from a financial point of view it is not unworthy of your
consideration," I supplied, unable to conceal my disgust.
"Well, yes," he resumed blandly, "you have hit it. However, I am by no
means blind to her fascination. Moreover, the countess has a latent
vein of fierceness in her nature which in time may endear her to my
heart. Last night, for instance, we were at a ball at the Baron
P----'s, and we danced together incessantly. While we were whirling
about to the rhythm of an intoxicating melody, I, feeling pretty sure
of my game, whispered half playfully in her ear: 'Countess, what would
you say, if I should propose to you?' 'Propose and you will see,' she
answered gravely, while those big black eyes of hers flashed at until
I felt half ashamed of my flippancy. Of course I did not venture to
put the question then and there, although I was sorely tempted. Now
that shows that she has spirit, to say the least. What do you think?"
"I think," I answered, with emphasis, "that if I were a friend of the
Countess von Brehm I should go to her to-morrow and implore her to
have nothing to do with you."
"By Jove," he burst forth, laughing; "if _I_ were a friend of the
countess, I should do the very same thing; but being her lover, I
cannot be expected to take such a disinterested view of the case.
Moreover, my labor would be thrown away; for, _entre nous_, she is too
much in love with me."
I felt that if I stayed a moment longer we should inevitably quarrel.
I therefore rose, somewhat abruptly, and pulled on my overcoat,
averring that I was tired and should need a few hours of sleep before
embarking in the morning.
"Well," he said, shaking my hand heartily, as we parted in the hall,
"if ever you should happen to visit Denmark again, you must promise me
that you will look me up. You have a standing invitation to my future
estate."