'No, I am sincere, that's all.'
Brühl, notwithstanding a great faculty for conversation, felt that words failed him. His situation became painful, while the young lady did not show that she was disturbed in the least.
'Notwithstanding all, I am not in despair,' he said after a pause. 'I have known you ever since you were a mere child, I have been your admirer for a long time; that which you said about the Countess Moszynski was only a fancy, already passed and forgotten. My heart is free, and it is yours. I hope you will be able to throw off your aversion to me.'
'I have no aversion to you; you are a matter of perfect indifference to me,' the young lady interrupted.
'Even that means something.'
'It means, that you might awaken my aversion, while wishing to awaken love.--It is very possible.'
Brühl rose; his face was burning.
'Perchance never a wooer met with a worse reception,' he said sighing. 'But I shall be able to overcome this impression.'
'Do as you please, but remember, that if I become a victim, I shall marry you, for I must, but you know now what awaits you.'
Having said this, she rose; Brühl smiling as sweetly as he could, wished to take hold of her hand, but she withdrew, and said: