Baron Völkerlingk has done me no such honour. But--by the merest accident--his secretary was here just now. Here are the latest returns. (Hands him the paper.)

Brachtmann (bending over the paper).

H'm, h'm----

Prince.

Let me see.

Brachtmann.

Well, we'll hope for the best. Kellinghausen's personal popularity has secured a conservative majority till now; but now that he has withdrawn in favour of another man--even though that man is Völkerlingk--the result is more than doubtful.

Baron Ludwig.

I confess, Countess, that even if Kellinghausen looked upon his politics merely as a branch of sport, I don't quite understand his sacrificing his career to my brother.

Beata.