[A SECRET FOE AND OPEN ENEMY.]
Dernburg sat in his office at the desk. He had just had a lengthy talk with the director of his works and was looking over the papers which he had left when the door was again opened. Count Eckardstein entered, who, as a guest of the house, needed no special announcement.
"I just saw the director leave," said he. "May I disturb you for a few minutes? I only come, preparatory to bidding adieu."
"Why, you will not be at dinner, as usual?" asked Dernburg, somewhat surprised.
"I thank you, I must return to Eckardstein.--Must I really have to report to my brother that you decline his invitation? We had depended so confidently upon your presence and that of your family."
"I am sorry. You have already heard that we have invited company to dinner, ourselves, for the day named."
This refusal of the invitation sounded just as positive as chilling, and so the young Count could but feel it to be. He impulsively drew a few steps nearer, and asked in a whisper:
"Herr Dernburg--what have you against me?"
"I? Nothing! What put such an idea into your mind, Sir Count?"
"Your very address proves it to me. This morning you called me Victor and treated me with your wonted kindness. Have I, then, become a stranger to you in the course of a few months? I am afraid that another influence has been brought to bear upon you, that I can guess."