‘I am afraid to own to myself. Wednesday fortnight is the end of it; that is, it gives me four days after that to reach Vienna.’
‘And presenting yourself in humble guise before your colonel, to say, “Ich melde mich gehorsamst.”’
‘Not exactly that—but something like it.’
‘I’ll be the Herr Oberst Lieutenant,’ said she, laughing; ‘so come forward now and clap your heels together, and let us hear how you utter your few syllables in true abject fashion. I’ll sit here, and receive you.’ As she spoke, she threw herself into an arm-chair, and assuming a look of intense hauteur and defiance, affected to stroke an imaginary moustache with one hand, while with the other she waved a haughty gesture of welcome.
‘I have outstayed my leave,’ muttered Gorman, in a tremulous tone. ‘I hope my colonel, with that bland mercy which characterises him, will forgive my fault, and let me ask his pardon.’ And with this, he knelt down on one knee before her, and kissed her hand.
‘What liberties are these, sir?’ cried she, so angrily, that it was not easy to say whether the anger was not real.
‘It is the latest rule introduced into our service,’ said he, with mock humility.
‘Is that a comedy they are acting yonder,’ said Walpole, ‘or is it a proverb?’
‘Whatever the drama,’ replied Kate coldly, ‘I don’t think they want a public.’
‘You may go back to your duty, Herr Lieutenant,’ said Nina proudly, and with a significant glance towards Kate. ‘Indeed, I suspect you have been rather neglecting it of late.’ And with this she sailed majestically away towards the end of the room.