'I wish you good-bye.'
The secretary left the room: his face was sweet and serene as ever, and nobody could have guessed his defeat.
While walking with elastic step across the drawing-room, he met the Countess Kolowrath, who, before speaking, looked at him sharply--but discovered nothing.
'Have you seen Frances?' she asked.
'I return from her.'
'How did she receive you?'
Brühl did not answer at once.
'As one receives someone who is not welcome,' he said at length.
'Ah! you have plenty of time.---For many reasons I should not care to hasten the wedding.'
'I am not of your opinion, for I know that it is easiest to conquer the heart, when one is sure of the hand,' said Brühl. 'The approach of the wedding would give us a chance to know each other, and I hope that your daughter knowing me better, and my sentiment--'