I left her with that fellow of the Scots Brigade.'
''Sdeath! the more fool you. Why not keep your ground? Were you not there before him?'
'Yes, and did my best to win her favour—even her mere regard.'
'In vain?'
'As usual. In fact, I think these two are affianced—or nearly so. I never so bestirred myself about a woman before,' said Morganstjern, as he drank at a draught a crystal goblet of schiedam and water, and refilled it.
'How is the Countess affected towards you?'
'But indifferently. Indeed, she only tolerates me as a kinsman, and, I suppose, has encouraged or permitted Baronald's addresses to her daughter, because he is the heir of General Kinloch, while I am heir to that only of which nothing can deprive me.'
'And that is?'
'A grave—six feet of earth,' replied Morganstjern, grinding his teeth unpleasantly.
'Come—you have always the guilders you win at roulette.'