'No, Colonel Wallenloup; that should rather be my duty,' said the Countess Sagan, who happened to be standing by.
Wallenloup grunted.
'As the wife of our colonel-in-chief, madame, I feel sure your kindness will be appreciated,' he said grimly.
Madame de Sagan's blue eyes glanced up into Rallywood's face as her fingers touched his breast.
'No, as your friend,' she said softly.
Then all at once Rallywood discovered how numerous were his friends and well-wishers in Maäsau. He was overwhelmed with congratulations and introductions, but the memory of that night which lingered longest with him was the tall figure of Valerie Selpdorf standing aside and looking coldly on. She expressed no pleasure at the turn events had taken, she offered no congratulations, but she met Unziar with what was only too plainly a mocking comment on the little scene, and the next moment was floating down the long room in the young Maäsaun's arms to the music of the last waltz.
CHAPTER VII.
ONE WOMAN'S DIPLOMACY.
There are men who though conspicuously in the world are never of it. Counsellor was one of these. He gave the impression of being a spectator; one who looked on at the play of common ambitions and intrigues with an amused and impersonal interest. He was drawn into no quarrels. Those who hated him most continued to shake hands with him, and none could accuse him of being a partisan. Yet he was rather truculent than meek, entirely ready to give his opinion, often with a surprising frankness, but maintaining throughout the complex relations of his life a superb reserve that formed a defence behind which neither favour nor enmity could penetrate.