The bridegroom especially paid marked attention to the Architect. "I am vexed," he said, "that the drawing should be so perishable; you will permit me, however, to have it taken to my room, where I should much like to talk to you about it."
"If it would give you any pleasure," said the Architect, "I can lay before you a number of highly finished designs for buildings and monuments of this kind, of which this is but a mere hasty sketch."
Ottilie was standing at no great distance, and went up to them. "Do not forget," she said to the Architect, "to take an opportunity of letting the Baron see your collection. He is a friend of art and of antiquity. I should like you to become better acquainted."
Luciana was passing at the moment. "What are they speaking of?" she asked.
"Of a collection of works of art," replied the Baron, "which this gentleman possesses, and which he is good enough to say that he will show us."
"Oh, let him bring them immediately," cried Luciana. "You will bring them, will you not?" she added, in a soft and sweet tone, taking both his hands in hers.
"The present is scarcely a fitting time," the Architect answered.
"What!" Luciana cried, in a tone of authority; "you will not obey the command of your queen!" and then she begged him again with some piece of absurdity.
"Do not be obstinate," said Ottilie, in a scarcely audible voice.
The Architect left them with a bow, which said neither yes nor no.