Josephine looked again at the girl, who stood silent.
'You must permit him to approach you, so that you may get to know each other, and I hope you will be happy.'
The mother pushed the girl towards the Princess; Frances resented being pushed, bent her head and moved aside.
Thus the day ended, memorable in the life of the girl, who looked so indifferently on her future.
The next day, probably by permission of the Countess, Brühl paid his respects to the young girl who was sitting alone. After a moment's reflection she allowed him to be shown in. She received him in the same room in which yesterday, leaning on Watzdorf's shoulder, she had said good-bye to happiness.
The mourning was very becoming to her: her beauty seemed still greater on the dark background of her black dress. Besides paleness there was no other sign of suffering on her face; cool and brave resignation lent something imposing to her features.
Brühl, who was one of the most refined dandies of his time, attributed great importance to dress, and was dressed that day with particular care. The sweet smile did not leave his too delicate face even for a moment. In the same proportion that the young lady wished to be sober and thoughtful, did he wish to be joyful and happy.
He advanced quickly to the table behind which she was sitting; she nodded slightly and pointed to a chair standing near.
'I see,' said Brühl, 'that you have assumed a sad expression to be in harmony with your mourning, while I--'
'You are more lively to-day than ever,' interrupted the young lady. 'May I ask what makes you so happy?'