"There is no time to lose, then. By-the-bye, you were at Councillor Moser's rooms a little while ago, I think?"
"Yes; I took him over some deeds I had had here at home."
Max reflected.
"Very well; that gives you a pretext to do it a second time. Take the thickest blue-book you can hunt up in your Chancellery, if you like; only mind you miss the august Councillor, that is the main point."
George, who had been pacing uneasily up and down the room, stopped in surprise.
"What can you possibly mean?"
"A little patience--I have a most superior plan. Fräulein Agnes Moser is acquainted with the young Baroness--the acquaintance is slight, it is true: the Councillor has presented his daughter to the ladies, and the two girls have seen and spoken to each other several times."
"But how do you know all this?" interrupted George. "You have only seen Fräulein Moser once, I believe, on the occasion of your celebrated visit."
"I beg your pardon. I see and speak to her almost every day at the cottage of the patient I am now treating by your desire. She exerts herself for the sick woman's spiritual welfare, while I devote my efforts to her bodily cure. This division of labour works admirably."
"But you have never said a syllable to me about it."