"You told me that the young man had spoken to Therese in the forest while she was studying 'Emilia Galotti.'"
"Yes, that is quite true. Anyway, she was quite glad to be spoken to. The only thing Leo objected to was that the young Count belonged to a club of young men who really behaved rather cheekily, and I think showed a touch of Anti-Semitism. So when Therese once went with her brother for a walk by the lake, and the Count came up and spoke to Therese as though he had known her for ages, while he mumbled his name off-handedly, for the benefit of Leo, Leo made a bow and introduced himself like this: 'Leo Golowski, Cracow Jew.' I don't know exactly what happened further; there was an exchange of words and the duel took place next day in the cavalry barracks at Klagenfurt."
"So I am quite right," persisted George humorously. "He did fight for his sister's honour."
"No, I tell you. I was there when he once discussed the matter with Therese, and said to her: 'So far as I am concerned you can do whatever amuses you. You can flirt with any one you like'...."
"Only it's got to be a Jew, I suppose...." added George.
Anna shook her head. "He's really not like that."
"I know," replied George gently. "We have become quite good friends lately, your Leo and I.
"Why, only yesterday evening we met at the café again and he was really quite condescending to me. I think he really forgives me my lineage. Besides, I haven't told you that Therese was at Ehrenbergs', too." And he described the appearance of the young girl in the Ehrenberg drawing-room and the impression she had made on Demeter.
Anna smiled with pleasure.
Later on, when they were again walking arm-in-arm in a quieter street, George began again. "But I still don't know who your great passion was."