"And the Austrian aristocracy is excessively exclusive on its own soil--!" said Zoë.
"Ah that exclusiveness is a fable convenue," Ad'lin insisted, "I am convinced that if Austrian society knew us ...."
Instead of replying, the Melkweyser directed her eye-glass towards the porcelain on the shelves of the cabinet. "That is the Malzin old-Vienna tea-service."
"Yes, but it cannot be used--it is not complete."
"I know it, Wjera Zinsenburg has the other half."
"If it would give the Countess the slightest pleasure to complete the set, I should be perfectly ready to place this half at her disposal!" Capriani's voice was heard to say.
The gentlemen had left their cigars and had come to the drawing-room for their coffee. Fermor who was too nervous to allow himself the indulgence of a cup of Mocha, sat down at the piano, and began to prelude in an affected manner.
Leaning in a languishing attitude against the raised cover of the piano, Ad'lin murmured, "No one but you invents such modulations. You ought to indulge me with a grand composition, Count; have you never completed one?"
"I am busy now with a work of some scope for a grand orchestra," Fermor lisped, dabbing his limp, bloodless hands upon the keyboard like a nervous kangaroo.
"Ah! A sonata?--An opera?"