'If he were a little older!' he said. 'But I have not much accommodation for a child in my quarters. Next week I am going to Cassel, and then----'
'You will take him with you?' my lady said.
The Count looked at the closing door, as it fell to behind Marie, and when the latch dropped, he spoke. 'Countess,' he said bluntly, 'have I misunderstood you?'
My lady's eyes fell. 'I do not know,' she said softly. 'I should think not. I have spoken very plainly.'
'I am almost an old man,' he said, looking at her kindly, 'and you are a young woman. Have you been amusing yourself at my expense?'
The Countess shook her head. 'No,' she said, with a gleam of laughter in her eyes; 'I have done with that. I began to amuse myself with General Tzerclas, and I found it so perilous a pleasure that I determined to forswear it. Though,' she added, looking down and playing with her bracelet, 'why I should tell you this, I do not know.'
'Because--henceforth I hope that you will tell me everything,' the Count said suddenly.
'Very well,' my lady answered, colouring deeply.
'And will be my wife?'
'I will--if you desire it.'