"Certainly. I am charmed to receive you, countess; only you will find nothing suitable for you. I live alone en garçon."
"Oh, that does not matter," returned the countess, with an air of indifference.
"Will you have the goodness, then," said Ivan, "to begin your preparations and select the clothes you mean to pack up?"
Theudelinde gave a strange smile. "My packing will not take long; my luggage will not be heavy. Will you make a good fire while I go to my wardrobe? It is very cold in this room."
In the sitting-room there was a large marble fireplace, and in the ashes of the grate some sparks still lingered. Ivan put some wood on the smouldering fire, and soon a genial blaze glowed in the chimney. It welcomed the countess, who presently returned, carrying in her arms a heap of dresses and clothes of all description.
Ivan looked at her in dismay. "You are going to pack all those?"
"Yes, and as many more, which still remain in my wardrobe."
"But, countess, where?"
"Here," returned Theudelinde, as she flung the bundle on the fire.
It filled up the whole fireplace, and the fire, catching the light materials, there was presently a crackling sound, while the old chimney roared again with joy over such a splendid contribution.