"Do not look so angry, darling. I will explain it to you."
Miss Klaus appeared in the adjoining room. As soon as Oldenburg saw her he walked up to her, and reverently bowing to her, he said, in a tone of unusual gentleness:
"Miss Klaus, I am to have the pleasure of taking you to supper."
The poor little thing was thunderstruck. Baron Oldenburg, the strange, mysterious baron, to take her in!
She looked up to him with an air of serious doubt.
"I have arranged the seats myself, Miss Klaus; if you have any special preference tell me so, and I shall be very happy to do what you like best."
"Oh no, baron----"
"Eh bien, nous voilà d'accord! Will you give me your arm? I see they are making ready."
At that moment Cloten came up, out of breath.
"One word, Oldenburg--pardon me, Miss Klaus--Oldenburg, you must get me another lady. I cannot go with Hortense."