"No, as I wish it!--Just see how marvellously beautiful this rose is! Are you as fond of roses as I am?"
"I love everything beautiful," said Stein, looking not at the rose but at Melitta.
She raised her long eyelashes and looked deep and full into the young man's brilliant eyes.
"There!" she said suddenly, holding the rose towards him as if to let him smell it; but he only felt how the slim fingers of the lady touched his lips like a mere breath.
"Here are the horses, aunt!" cried Bruno.
"I am coming!" replied Melitta, and left Stein.
The rose was lying at his feet; he quickly stooped, picked it up, and hid it in his bosom.
Mademoiselle Marguerite brought Melitta her gloves, her hat, and her whip.
"Is the baroness in the parlor?"
"Yes."