"Sire," said he, in a distinct voice, "I wish to marry Therese."
"With whom?" asked Joseph, without turning.
"With your majesty's lord of the bedchamber, Count Kinsky."
"And Therese?" asked Joseph, without turning around. "Does she love the count?"
"No, sire, she has never encouraged him. She affects to have a repugnance to marriage, and has continually urged me to allow her to enter a convent. But I will not give my consent to such a ridiculous whim. Count Kinsky is a man of honor; he loves Therese, and will make her happy. Therese is the true daughter of my house, sire; a wish of your majesty to her would be a law. I therefore beg of you, as the greatest favor you could bestow, to urge her to accept Count Kinsky. "
The emperor turned hastily around, and his face was scarlet.
"How?" said he, in a faltering voice. "You exact of me that I should woo your daughter for Count Kinsky?"
"It is this favor, sire, which you have so graciously promised to grant."
The emperor made no reply. He gazed at the count with gloomy, searching eyes. The latter met his glance with quiet firmness. A long pause ensued, and the emperor's face changed gradually until it became very pale. He sighed and seemed to awake from a reverie.
"Count Dietrichstein," said he, in a trembling voice, "you have pointed out to me the means of serving you. I will do your behest, and urge your daughter to be the wife of Count Kinsky."