“What is the grand point of difference at present?” asked the Austrian.
“A terrific one,” said the Baron; “the lady demanded twenty covers, two tables, two carriages, one of which I arranged should be a chariot; that at least the town owes to me; and, what else? merely a town mansion and establishment. Exerting myself day and night, these terms were at length agreed to by the municipality, and the lady was to ride over from Darmstadt to sign and seal. In the course of her ride she took a cursed fancy to the country villa of a great Jew banker, and since that moment the arrangement has gone off. We have offered her everything; the commandant’s country castle; his lady’s country farm; the villa of the director of the Opera; the retreat of our present prima donna; all in vain. We have even hinted at a temporary repose in a neighbouring royal residence; but all useless. The banker and the Signora are equally intractable, and Frankfort is in despair.”
“She ought to have signed and sealed at Darmstadt,” said the Count, very indignantly.
“To be sure! they should have closed upon her caprice, and taken her when she was in the fancy.”
“Talking of Opera girls,” commenced the Polish Prince, “I remember the Countess Katszinski—”
“Your Highness has nothing upon your plate,” quickly retorted the Baron, who was in no humour for a story.
“Nothing more, I thank you,” continued the Prince: “as I was saying, I remember the Countess Katszinski—” but just at this moment the door opened, and Ernstorff entered and handed a despatch to the Baron, recommending it to his Excellency’s particular attention.
“Business, I suppose,” said the Plenipotentiary; “it may wait till to-morrow.”
“From M. Clarionet, your Excellency.”
“From M. Clarionet!” eagerly exclaimed the Baron, and tore open the epistle. “Gentlemen! congratulate me, congratulate yourselves, congratulate Frankfort;” and the diplomatist, overcome, leant back in his chair. “She is ours, Salvinski! she is ours, Von Altenburgh! she is ours, my dear de Boeffleurs! Mr. Grey, you are most fortunate; the Signora has signed and sealed; all is arranged; she sings to-night! What a fine-spirited body is this Frankfort municipality! what elevation of soul! what genuine enthusiasm! eh! de Boeffleurs?”