“Yes, we do,” replied Marie, in a low voice.
“And may I ask in what the signal consists that announces to the man-fearing poet that other mortals have approached his goddess?”
“It is no secret,” said Madame von Arnim. “I will tell you, count. The signal is a lighted candle placed at the window of our dressing-room. When he sees this light, he beats a retreat, and turns his back on our house.”
“Will he come if no light is burning for him?” inquired Count Kunheim, quickly.
“He will,” replied Madame von Arnim, laughing.
“Therefore, if no light should burn in the window, he would come this evening?”
“Certainly he would. He vows that he only lives and thinks when in my daughter’s presence; and he would undoubtedly have come this evening if I had not given him the signal.”
“But, mother,” exclaimed Marie, “you are mistaken; we did not give the signal to-day.”
“Then, as you gave no signal, he has simply declined to avail himself of your invitation for this evening,” remarked Count Kunheim.