'That inscription on the medal, does it not sound like some of his sneers?'
Brühl looked at the Countess; her suspicion seemed to be probable.
'I shall give orders that he is to be watched,' he said shortly. 'If it is as you think, he is not long for this world.'
Having said this he kissed the Countess's hand, took his mantle, thrown into a dark corner near the door and therefore not observed by Watzdorf, and went out.
He returned by the same path by which he came full of hope for a long and free conversation; now he was thinking how he could return home without being noticed.
He passed the gate neglecting to keep a look-out and he needed all his presence of mind in order not to betray his emotion, when he perceived Watzdorf standing opposite and saluting him with an ironical smile.
Brühl returned the salute with perfect ease and amiability.
'You here!' Brühl exclaimed. 'How glad I am!'
'It is I who can call myself happy,' said Watzdorf, 'for I never expected to meet your Excellency under the apple trees. If I remember well, the fruit of an apple tree is called forbidden.'
'Yes,' said Brühl laughing. 'But I did not come for forbidden fruit. The Countess Cosel wished to see me, for she has a request to make to the Prince.'