She cast down her eyes, interlaced her fingers, and said in a low and timid voice,--
"Give me back Stielow."
Immense surprise, and a shade of displeasure appeared on his face.
"I certainly did not expect this wish," he said, "I thought you had forgotten this caprice. To fulfil it exceeds my power."
"I do not believe it," she replied, raising her eyes and gazing full at the count, "he is a boy, and you know how to lead earnest men of ripe years."
"But you forget," said he, "that--"
"That he, in a fit of ill-temper, out of spite, has thrown himself at the feet of a fade, insipid girl, who finds a place in the almanach de Gotha, where her heart is also," she cried, rising hastily from her recumbent position, with flashing eyes. "No, I do not forget it, but just for that reason I will have him back. I will help you in everything," she continued, speaking more slowly, "I will employ all the powers of my intellect and of my will, on behalf of your plans; but I will have something in return for myself, and I say therefore, 'Give me back Stielow.'"
"You shall certainly," said the count, "have for yourself whatever you wish. I impose no restraints on your little personal divertissements," he added, with a smile; "but what do you want with this boy--as you yourself call him?--can you not rule men with your genius, and by a glance from those eyes?"
"I love him!" she whispered.
The count looked at her with amazement.