I was in this state of excitement when a servant came and said a lady wished to see me.
"A lady?" I cried in astonishment. "What is her name? It must be a mistake. There can be no one——Stay; show her up," I broke off, for it occurred to me that after all there might be some one with information to give or sell; or, perhaps, a messenger from Praga. It would do no harm to see her.
She came in very closely veiled, and very beautifully, if very showily, dressed.
"You wish to see me, madam? What is your name?"
She stood silent until the servant had left the room; and I looked at her with considerable curiosity.
"So you are the Prince von Gramberg. I trust your Highness is in excellent health."
Despite the mocking accent, I could recognize the voice, though I could not recall the speaker. It was certainly no one whom I ought to have known as the Prince von Gramberg, and I accordingly made ready for another unpleasant surprise.
"I am sorry I cannot recall your name. I think I have heard your voice; it is too sweet to forget."
It is never wrong to flatter a woman.
My visitor stamped her foot angrily.