"We make plans for the summer, and the whole world speaks of war. Who knows," she added, as her brows clouded, "whether all our plans will not be thrown to the winds, or consumed in the flames?"
"Good heavens!" cried Herr von Stielow, "if war breaks out of course all will be changed; but that need not prevent our making plans in case all should keep quiet. So----"
"Here comes Count Mensdorff," said the young lady, rising. "Perhaps we shall now hear something. Mamma signs to me; forgive me for leaving you, Herr von Stielow; we shall see you in a day or two; you will tell me then if we are to have peace or war, and if our imaginary trip has any chance."
"Then you will take me?" he asked, earnestly; "but I want no courteous reply, give me a kind and honest answer."
She looked firmly at him for a moment, and then said, as a slight blush heightened the tender colour in her cheeks, "Yes--if you will find us piquant enough, and if you can forget Vienna."
And with a light elastic step she glided over the parquet, and joined her mother and a circle of ladies on the other side of the room.
Herr von Stielow looked after her for a moment with emotion, and then joined various other groups.
Count Mensdorff, on entering the room, first joined the circle immediately around the countess, and remained in conversation there some little time.
The diplomatists all grew uneasy, and broke off with more or less politeness the indifferent conversations in which they were engaged.
At last the minister entered the second drawing-room alone. The Duke de Gramont immediately approached him with easy grace, and was warmly welcomed.