Was he, as the recipient of such a mysterious note, that shed forth the perfumes of every scent of a toilet table, bound to break the seal of the secret?
He mustered his resolution and said--
"You wished to speak to me here, my Fräulein. I am happy that you repose a confidence in me that I shall never misuse."
At these almost whispered words he looked at her with a doubtful glance. He hoped for encouragement, so as to be able then to open his eyes more boldly and to let them rest upon the charming young lady.
"You are mistaken," said Cäcilie coldly. "I am glad to see you here, but I did not invite you."
"I beg your pardon, but I believed the pink note--"
"Oh, oh, Herr Professor," replied Cäcilie, raising her forefinger warningly.
"Certainly without signature; but when you entered--"
"I always considered you to be a Dr. Faust, who studies the books of his nostradamus Hegel, and bathes his bosom assiduously in the morning dawn; but I did not know that you had already tasted the magic drink, and saw a Helen in every woman. And now it strikes me, surely you are married--and scented pink notes, assignations--ah, ah, Herr Professor! Surely I was mistaken in the address, and took you for a Faust, while you are but a Don Juan."
Reising experienced the humiliating consciousness of having behaved very awkwardly. Of what use was all his philosophy with so little worldly wisdom.