question! Now, do you know, baron, I have a great mind to pick a quarrel with you for asking it; as if all the world did not know who the Countess G⸺ was.”
“Ah, to be sure,” replied Château-Renaud; “the lovely Venetian, is it not?”
“Herself.” At this moment the countess perceived Albert, and returned his salutation with a smile.
“You know her, it seems?” said Château-Renaud.
“Franz introduced me to her at Rome,” replied Albert.
“Well, then, will you do as much for me in Paris as Franz did for you in Rome?”
“With pleasure.”
There was a cry of “Shut up!” from the audience. This manifestation on the part of the spectators of their wish to be allowed to hear