"He wanted to tell me that he loved me unutterably. He wanted to implore the favor of accepting from him the coupé with the two dapple-grays, in which he drove me yesterday, and which I had praised."
"I hope that you granted the favor."
"I did. The equipage will be sent to-day."
"The dapple-grays are remarkably beautiful," said the old gentleman, rubbing his hands contentedly. "They are worth at least a thousand florins, and the coupé is a model of elegance and beauty. The count received it from Paris a fortnight ago. But how did you repay Andreossy for his regal gift?"
"I told him that I detested him, and that he need never hope for my love."
"Yet you accepted his gift?" he asked, smiling.
"Yes. I accepted it because he entreated it as the first and greatest favor, and because, after the deep sorrow I had caused him, I could not help granting so small a boon."
"Magnificent!" he cried, laughing; "you talk like a reigning queen, accepting gifts from her vassal. Then the count loves you passionately, does he not?"
"He loves nothing except himself and his ambition. He would like to obtain the title of prince from Napoleon."