"Is it possible! Then we must hurry."
"Yes--and I think rest will be best for the countess at present," answered Prince Emil, helping the ladies into the carriage.
"Well, we shall see her at dinner on Tuesday? She will be able to travel to-morrow?"
"Oh, I hope so."
"But, Prince Emil! What will become of our flowers?" asked the gentlemen.
"Oh, they will keep until to-morrow!"
"I suppose she has no suspicion?"
"Of course not, and it is far better, for had she been aware of it, no doubt she would have gone to-day, in spite of her illness, and made herself worse."
The gentlemen assented. "Still it's a pity about the flowers. If they will only keep fresh!"
"She will let many a blossom wither, which may well be mourned!" thought the prince bitterly.