Wilhelm. The honorable family sends you a hearty welcome and these flowers. They are the rarest in the conservatory. But, between you and me, the flowers came from the Gnadiges Fraulein. And the Gnadiges Fraulein was pretty anxious to----
Robert. Were you commissioned to say that, too? (Controlling his feelings)
Wilhelm. No, not----
Robert. Then keep it to yourself!
(The servant starts to go.)
Frau Heinecke. Wouldn't you like to have a piece of pound-cake with us, Wilhelm? There's plenty left!
Robert. Please, Mother! (Gives Wilhelm a gold-piece) The man has his pay--Tell the Councillor that the Count von Trast-Saarburg and I beg the honor of a meeting with him at three o'clock! You may go! (Wilhelm goes)
Frau Heinecke. A count! What sort of a count?
Robert. A friend of mine, Mother, to whom I am under great obligation.
Auguste. (Softly to Michalski) He pretends to have a count for a friend!