Some letters arrived for the Countess and Rosa; and when the former took hers away to the drawing-room, Rosa detained me in the library to speak about Nessa's conduct. "I can't understand it, Johann," she said irritably.
"Does it matter much?" I asked with a shrug.
"Of course it does. How are you going to help her if she keeps up this ridiculous attitude? I've no patience with her."
"Oh, I have. She knows about our engagement, of course, and being staunch to you looks on me as an enemy."
"But she knew you were coming and was most anxious to see you, and even promised to try and bring you to reason."
"Have you told her that I'm willing to help her; if I can, that is?"
"No, but I'll go and tell her now, and tell her also that if she doesn't wish to make mother furious, she'd better take things differently."
"Perhaps if I could have a quiet chat with her, it might do the trick," I suggested casually.
"Then you mustn't lose any time about it. Why not this afternoon? I can take Lottchen with me, and if you stop in, it could be managed easily. And when I come back the three of us can talk the thing over together."
I agreed to this like a shot, and we went into the drawing-room, where her mother was still reading her letters. Rosa glanced hurriedly at hers, locked them in a little bureau, and hurried off to tackle Nessa.