"In Vienna you will find no taste for the antique," said Herr von Stielow, in a voice which caused the count to look up in surprise, "the world here does not care for the past, but holds only to the present."
"The world is wrong," said the count coldly, a proud smile playing around his mouth, "the past has depth, the present is shallow."
Herr von Stielow frowned. The lady gave him an imploring look but he did not perceive it.
"The past is often tedious," said the officer shortly.
The count appeared to find his manner disagreeable, he answered curtly, "And the present often very dull."
Herr von Stielow's eyes flashed.
The count rose.
"My beautiful friend," he said, "I am rejoiced to find you so blooming and unchanged. I will see you again soon, and I hope I may find a time when we can talk undisturbed, and I can tell you of Rome and the past without fearing to be tedious."
He kissed her hand, bowed almost imperceptibly to Herr von Stielow, and left the room.
Herr von Stielow sprang up, seized his cap, and prepared to follow him.