position.”
Albert glanced now at Delesof, now at the hostess, who just then came into the room.
“Permit me to help you,” continued Delesof. “If you need anything, then I should be very glad if you would come and stay with me for a while. I live alone, and maybe I could be of some service to you.”
Albert smiled, and made no reply.
“Why don’t you thank him?” said the hostess. “It seems to me that this would be a capital thing for you.—Only I would not advise you,” she continued, turning to Delesof, and shaking her head warningly.
“Very much obliged to you,” said Albert, seizing Delesof’s hand with both his moist ones. “Only now let us have some music, please.”
But the rest of the guests were already making their preparations to depart; and as Albert did not address them, they came out into the anteroom.
Albert bade the hostess farewell; and having taken his worn hat with wide brim, and a last summer’s alma