“If you will allow me—if you feel certain that I am not intruding—I will accept, your kind offer with joy. I never care much for a ball, at any time, and to-day in particular—” he stopped short, and then added, “In such bad weather as this, the small amusement—”
“Would be dearly bought,” interposed the baron. “Come, I am delighted you will remain with us.”
He shook Edward warmly by the hand.
“You know you are with old friends.”
“And, besides,” said the doctor, with disinterested solicitude, “it would be imprudent, for M. de Wensleben does not look very well. Had you a good night, sir?”
“Very good,” replied Edward.
“Without much dreaming?” continued the other, pertinaciously
“Dreaming! oh, nothing wonderful,” answered the officer.
“Hem!” said the doctor, shaking his head, portentously. “No one yet—”
“Were I to relate my dream,” replied Edward, “you would understand it no more than I did. Confused images—”