His agitation became almost intolerable. He knew that he ought not to stay, but he could not bring himself to leave.
The evening minstrels of Venice were beginning their rounds, and in the distance they sang "Io son felice--t'attendo in ciel!"
"Bring your present expression to the studio tomorrow!" Lozoncyi said, hoarsely: "I will transfer it to the canvas as well as I can, in memory of the noblest creature I have ever met. You are coming to-morrow?"
"Certainly. The portrait is almost finished, is it not?"
"Yes; I think to-morrow will be the last sitting; and then----"
"And then----?" she repeated.
"Then it will all be over!"
There was a pause. He turned his head aside. Suddenly a low sweet voice, that went directly to his heart, said, softly, "Then you will wish to know nothing more of me!"
He started as if from an electric shock; the room swam before his eyes, when----the door opened, the Countess Mühlberg appeared, and Lozoncyi arose to take leave, thanking Heaven for this unexpected interruption.
"Will you not wait until my grandmother returns?" Erika asked.