There seemed a strange stillness over everything; but as I listened I heard as if from down below in the valley the howling of many wolves. The Count’s eyes gleamed, and he said:⁠—

“Listen to them⁠—the children of the night. What music they make!” Seeing, I suppose, some expression in my face strange to him, he added:⁠—

“Ah, sir, you dwellers in the city cannot enter into the feelings of the hunter.” Then he rose and said:⁠—

“But you must be tired. Your bedroom is all ready, and tomorrow you shall sleep as late as you will. I have to be away till the afternoon; so sleep well and dream well!” With a courteous bow, he opened for me himself the door to the octagonal room, and I entered my bedroom.⁠ ⁠…