"Then it is not necessary to talk any more about it, or to preserve the sketches," said the count, slowly tearing the two papers into little bits.
"You are right, count, it is not necessary to preserve the sketches, since I soon expect to carry them out on a large scale. But we have something else to talk about, your excellency."
Schwarzenberg looked in amazement at the painter, whose voice had now lost its reverential expression, and was very firm and determined.
"We have only to speak upon such subjects as I may choose, master," he said haughtily.
"No, Sir Count," retorted Nietzel decidedly; "but we have to speak about what follows the completion of my painting. We must speak of that, even should it not please your excellency. On Sunday your banquet takes place; on that day I should like to set off for Italy with my wife and child, and leave Germany forever."
"Do so, Master Nietzel, I strongly advise you to do so."
"Will your excellency condescend to assist me thereto?"
"Joyfully, from the bottom of my heart, my dear Nietzel. You would travel to Italy. First of all you want funds for your journey, I suppose. Here, Master Nietzel, here I transmit to you a pocketbook containing twelve hundred dollars—your pension, which I pay you in advance for two years."
"I thank your excellency," said Gabriel, taking the pocketbook. "The principal thing, though, is, how am I to get at my wife and child? Am I to come here to fetch them away?"
"Not so, Master Nietzel. I shall send Rebecca and the child to you at your lodgings in Berlin."