“Such reasoning confirmed him in his assumption of indifference. He held out his hand to Christine as to a friend. The warmth of his greeting was no more than the cordiality of a pleasant recognition.
“‘It is Christine herself,’ he said, unconscious of her agitation—‘Christine herself, who never looked so well. Donnerwetter, little one, I thought that you would come to see me. And what tales to tell! I hear them everywhere I go—“Mademoiselle Zlarin, whose playing fascinated the Emperor; Mademoiselle Zlarin, who was the star of the Prater; Mademoiselle Zlarin, who is to appear as Joseph”—himmel, it is a triumph you have to speak of. All the city talks of it. Oh, for a truth I am proud of my little girl of Jézero!’
“Cordial as his greeting was, the note of it was like the chill of iron to the heart of the woman who had been telling herself that his words would be so different. Hot blood filled her veins while she listened; the whole of the truth was instantly made clear to her. ‘He has forgotten,’ she said to herself; and at that her own love seemed to rush back into the prison of her mind. Yet God alone knew what the effort cost her.
“‘Herr Count,’ she said, speaking very slowly, ‘I came to you—to thank you for your kindness to me when I was at Jézero. Whatever I may do in Vienna, I shall never forget those days. It is good to remember them, and to hear of my friends——’
“He stopped her abruptly, raising his hand and placing a chair for her.
“‘The obligation was upon our side,’ he said; ‘did we not entertain Mademoiselle Zlarin, whose name is on everyone’s tongue? Do not speak of it, little one, but tell me about yourself. I shall have fine news to write to Father Mark; and the old dame—himmel, what airs she will put on! So you are to play Joseph to-night, and to be the star to-morrow at Esterhazy’s house. That I should come to Vienna to hear such things!’
“He spoke with great energy and show of friendship, feeling already that a gesture or a word might bring the past back upon him swiftly. She, on her part, scarce able to believe that this man had held her in his arms and professed love for her, stung to bitterness that he should forget so readily, resolved that no act or speech of hers should impose the memory of that past upon him.
“‘It is true that I am to play Joseph to-night,’ she said coldly; ‘but the part is small, and I am afraid that I shall never be a singer. Still, it leads to other things, and will help me in my violin playing. You shall tell me what you think of that after the concert to-morrow, for you are going to the Prince’s, I hear. You will applaud me a little, Count?’
“‘A little—the devil! Did you not once tell me that I had great hands? Well, you shall hear them in claps of thunder to-morrow; and to-night I have a box, and am taking Baron Philiporic, who has a voice like a cannon. We shall make a useful pair—rely upon it.’
“She laughed now in spite of herself, but remembering suddenly the purpose of her visit, she refused the tea which he offered her.