"Indeed? I should like to know upon what my aunt Brock founds her assertion," the young man rejoined, coldly.
"Why, upon the intense dislike you always parade for your pretty sister-in-law," the Countess said, with a laugh.
"I do not parade it at all."
"But you feel it."
Goswyn von Sydow had risen from his chair. "It is very late," he said, picking up his cap.
"I have not driven you away with my poor jests?" the old lady inquired, as she also rose.
"No," he replied,--"at least not for long: if you will permit me, my dear Countess, I will call upon you in the autumn."
"And until then----?"
"I shall not have that pleasure, unfortunately; I leave with the General to-morrow for Kiel, and came to-night only to bid you good-bye. When I return I shall hardly find you still in Berlin."
"Indeed? I am sorry," she replied, "first because I really like to see you from time to time, although you entertain antiquated views of life and always disapprove of me, and secondly because I had hoped you would help me a little in my grand-daughter's education. Of course if she has already perused all Belot----"