the count is within?”
“Yes, your excellency; he has this moment returned.”
“Is he in bed?”
“I should say no.”
“Then ring at his door, if you please, and request him to be so kind as to give me an audience.”
Signor Pastrini did as he was desired, and returning five minutes after, he said:
“The count awaits your excellency.”
Franz went along the corridor, and a servant introduced him to the count. He was in a small room which Franz had not yet seen, and which was surrounded with divans. The count came towards him.
“Well, what good wind blows you hither at this hour?” said he; “have you come to sup with me? It would be very