Erika assented, and the Countess led her to the lady in question, who, still knitting, was seated on a sofa with three young, very shy artists, and overshadowed by a tall fan-palm.
The Countess presented Erika. The artists rose, and the two ladies took their seats on the sofa beside Fräulein von Horn.
The Fräulein sighed, and conversation began.
"If I am not mistaken, you are a dear friend of the gifted lady whom we have to thank this evening for so much pleasure," said Constance Mühlberg.
"We travel together, because it is cheaper," Fräulein von Horn replied, calmly, "but; as with certain married couples, we have nothing in common save our means of living."
"Indeed?" said Constance. "I am glad to hear it; for in that case we can express our sentiments freely with regard to the poetess."
"Quite freely."
Just then Count Treurenberg joined the group, and informed the ladies that he had been congratulating Minona upon her magnificent success.
"What did you say to her?" the truth-loving Agatha asked, almost angrily.
"'In you I hail our modern Sappho.' That is what I told her."