“My wife,” said he, “will be very pleased to see you; and I,” he added, “shall be very pleased as well.”
“You are a philosophical husband,” said I, “but I am afraid after the exercises you witnessed the countess will find me rather slow.”
“Not at all, the recollection will make it all the pleasanter for you.”
“Mentally perhaps, but in other respects . . .”
“Oh! you will manage to get out of it.”
“My carriage is at your service, as I shall not be going out for the rest of the day.”
I softly entered the countess’s room and finding her in bed enquired affectionately after her health.
“I am very well,” said she, smiling agreeably, “my husband has done me good.”
I had seated myself quietly on the bed, and she had shewn no vexation; certainly a good omen.
“Aren’t you going out any more to-day?” said she, “you have got your dressing-gown on.”