"You shall receive the same sum when you arrive in New York," said the count coldly, "if you obey me implicitly."
"I will go," said Herr Balzer. "May I not," he added with a look of grief that was badly acted, "bid my wife farewell?"
"No," replied the count, "she shall believe you are really dead, that is my express will; she shall be free, even in her conscience."
Herr Balzer turned to go.
"I shall expect news of you from Salzburg in three days!" said the count. "And now," he added solemnly and earnestly, "thank heaven, and make use of the mercy that offers you a new life!"
He held out his hand to him, and mildness and kindness shone in his eyes.
Herr Balzer bowed and left the room.
"We are now ready," said the count, as soon as he was alone with the abbé; "be prepared to start in a week's time."