"I can be a wife," exclaimed she, "but I could x never be a mistress. I could not endure that such shame should rest upon my brow."
"Shame!" repeated Hoym. "It only burns for a time; the wound soon heals, although the scar remains for ever."
"You are disgusting!" interrupted the Countess angrily. "You have brought me here, and now you insult me with your vile insinuations."
Emotion checked her utterance; and Hoym said humbly,--
"Forgive me, I have lost my reason. I know not what I am saying. To-morrow has been appointed for the court ball. The King has commanded me to attend with you; you will be presented to him. It seems to me," added he softly, "that you can do anything you wish--you can even not look beautiful. I am willing to lose my wager."
Anna turned away contemptuously.
"You ask me to act a comedy to save your honour!" said she, with a sarcastic smile, "but I hate falsehood. Your honour is not at stake. Anna Countess von Brockdorf does not belong to the class of women who can be purchased for a handful of diamonds. Not a word more. I despise you all. I shall not be present at the ball!"
Hoym grew pale.
"You must be present," said he, in an agitated voice. "This is not a question of a childish fancy; my head and wealth are at stake. The King has issued his commands."
"I do not care!" retorted Anna.