"You never heard of it?" repeated the other; "the whole city rings with it. The quarrel happened a fortnight ago, and she will not allow me to justify myself, but has sent back three letters I wrote to her, unopened. She is a declared enemy of the Baroness Reizenthal, and had made me promise to drop her acquaintance. But, think how unfortunate I was! When the Queen-mother made the hunting party to Freudenwald, she appointed me cavalier to the Baroness. What could I do? It was impossible to refuse. On the very birthday of the adorable Bonau I was obliged to set out.....She heard of it.....She put no trust in my heart!" "Well, then, Brahmin, take advantage of the present moment. The New Year makes up all quarrels. Is the Countess here?" "Do you not see her over there--the Carmelite on the left of the third pillar beside the two black dominos. She has laid aside her mask. Ah, Prince! your intercession would--" Philip thought: "Now I can do a good work!" and, as the punch had inspired him, he walked directly to the Carmelite. The Countess Bonau looked at him for some time seriously, and with flushed cheeks, as he sat down beside her. She was a beautiful girl; yet Philip remained persuaded that Rose was a thousand times more beautiful. "Countess," he said,--and became embarrassed when he met her clear bright eye fixed upon him. "Prince," said the Countess, "an hour ago you were somewhat too bold." "Fair Countess, I am therefore at this present moment the more quiet." "So much the better. I shall not, then, be obliged to keep out of your way." "Fair lady, allow me to ask one question. Have you put on a nun's gown to do penance for your sins?" "I have nothing to do penance for." "But you have, Countess!--your cruelties--your injustice to the poor Brahmin yonder, who seems neglected by his God and all the world." The beautiful Carmelite cast down her eyes, and appeared uneasy. "And do you know, fair Countess, that in the Freudenwald affair the Chamberlain is as innocent as I am?" "As you, Prince?" said the Countess, frowning, "what did you tell me an hour ago?" "You are right, dear Countess, I was too bold. You said so yourself. But now I declare to you the Chamberlain was obliged to go to Freudenwald by command of the Queen-mother--against his will was obliged to be cavalier to the hated Reizenthal--" "Hated--by him?"--interrupted the Countess with a bitter and sneering laugh. "Yes--he hates,--he despises the Baroness. Believe me, he scarcely treated her with civility, and incurred the Royal displeasure by so doing. I know it; and it was for your sake. You are the only person he loves--to you he offers his hand, his heart--and you!--you reject him!" "How comes it, Prince, that you intercede so warmly for Pilzou? You did not do so formerly."