"I can't tell you how I long for summer. When everything is barren and desolate at present, one can hardly realize that there ever were sunshine and green trees and sparkling seas. Do you remember the balmy day last summer, when we met on the lake?"
"I do, indeed; very well."
A long pause ensued. Irma waited for the intendant to speak, but he remained silent. Not a sound was heard but that made by the parrot hopping about in its cage and pecking at the golden wires.
"I long," said Irma, "to visit my friend Emma next summer. I would like to revel in solitude. This winter has been too noisy and exciting."
"Yes, and besides that, the queen's illness."
The parrot tugged at the golden wires, and Irma slightly loosened the red velvet ribbon on her morning dress.
"Do you intend to visit the lake again?" said Irma, trembling.
"No, dear Countess; I shall visit the various theaters of Germany, in order to engage a second basso and, above all, a young person for the lover's parts. You would hardly believe how scarce youthful lovers have become in the German world."
Irma laughed heartily, while the blood mounted to her temples. She felt quite faint.
The servant announced Baroness Steigeneck.