"I leave the answer to my daughter," said she; "and will abide by her decision."
"And what do you say, Countess Clara?" he asked.
She held out her hand.
"Then may God bless you!" said the countess, as she gently put her daughter from her, and held out her hand in her turn to the young man, who kissed it respectfully.
"Now," cried the countess, "we must go. We shall see you to-morrow, Herr von Stielow. To-day you will only afford us your protection to Countess Wilezek's."
"Oh, mamma," cried Countess Clara, "can we not stay at home to-day?"
"No, my child," said her mother, "people would make remarks, and you know I like everything to be done in the correct manner. It is the foundation of all true and lasting happiness."
"Well, then," cried Herr von Stielow, "adieu until to-morrow; my newly-risen star will light up the night until the dawn!"
His betrothed gave him a smile. There was a half troubled, half roguish question in her look.
He raised the rose he held in his hand, pressed it to his lips, and hid it beneath his uniform upon his breast.