Herr von Stielow overtook the count as he was going down the steps.
"I did not answer your last remark, count," he said, "because my reply would not have been seemly in a lady's presence. You appear to wish to lecture me, and my name as well as the uniform I wear, ought to tell you, that I will be lectured by no one, at least not by strangers."
The count stood still.
"It seems, sir," he said, "that you wish to quarrel with me."
"And if I do?" cried the young officer boiling over.
"You are much mistaken," replied the count.
"I cannot be mistaken in punishing insolence," cried the young officer, who grew more excited from the count's calmness.
"Very well, sir," said the latter, "I believe we had better cease talking, and leave further arrangements to our seconds."
"I like haste and punctuality in these matters," cried Herr von Stielow.
He handed the count a card.