"Yes. I think there was danger at of a time that mischief would result from the pious comedy of the prioress."
"To be sure there was," cried the emperor. "But this time I won the field through a few well-directed words. And now let us go and see the show at the two other convents. Perhaps we may come in time to send another well-directed arrow in the midst of the sisterhoods."
CHAPTER CXLV.
COUNT PODSTADSKY'S ESCORT.
"You promise that he shall remain but five minutes in my room, father?" said Rachel.
"I give you my word that he shall stay just long enough for me to complete my preparations to escort him home."
"What mean you, dear father? At least tell me what you intend to do."
"I merely intend a jest, dear child," said Eskeles Flies, laughing. "A jest which shall announce to the people of Vienna that the Jewish banker has no desire to receive the visits of the Christian count. Ah, eleven o'clock! The hour for your interview. Farewell, my daughter, your lover comes."
The banker disappeared through a tapestry-door, and scarcely had he closed it when Count Podstadsky was announced.
Rachel had so unconquerable an aversion to Podstadsky that, instead of going forward to greet him, she actually stepped back and raised her hand as if to ward him off. But the count was not easily repulsed.