"I beg your pardon for disturbing you, Herr Count; I did not know that the door was locked. I wished to say--"
"Well, what--what?"
"Mademoiselle Walter is in the ante-room, and wishes to speak to the Herr Count."
"Mademoiselle Walter?"
"With me?"
The Präsidentin collected herself. First she was evidently on the point of sending a refusal, but Hermann anticipated her.
"I--will see her at once!"
The servant disappeared.
"Hermann, you ought not to speak to her now! You will betray yourself whilst you are in such agitation! And what can she want?"
The Count had all at once regained his self-command, but an expression of unspeakable bitterness appeared in his face.