"That is easily done," said the Councillor; "Herr Schmidt is the happy possessor of one of our finest private picture-galleries. Count Golm's passion for art is well known; what more natural than that Count Golm should call upon Herr Schmidt, as Herr Schmidt, with the best will in the world, cannot bring his gallery to the Count's hotel?" "Only that nine o'clock in the evening is perhaps not the best hour for such a purpose," said the Count, looking at the clock. "For what purpose were reflectors invented?" answered the Councillor, smiling. "I will go with you!" exclaimed the Count, springing up. The Councillor coughed behind his hat, and thus happily hid the smile that played about his broad, beardless lip. "After all it will not do," said the Count. "I promised Herr von Werben----" "The Lieutenant?" "Of course, to be at home; he wished to fetch me at ten o'clock, to take me I do not know where." "Herr von Werben would not think much of such an obstacle," said the Councillor, with well-acted repressed impatience; "write on a card that you are at So-and-so's, and beg him to come and fetch you." "But he does not know this man!" "Yes, he does; I happen to know it from Herr Schmidt himself." The Count had rung for his servant to give him his hat and gloves. The two gentlemen went towards the door. "If only his name were not Schmidt," said the Count, standing still. "What a strange mania! all great men are afflicted with something of the sort!--After you, Count Golm." "Not at all! I am at home here!" And the gentlemen left the room. CHAPTER XV. Philip walked impatiently up and down his study, then seated himself at his writing-table, touched the spring of a secret drawer, and took out the Councillor's note, really only to assure himself that he had not mistaken the hour, but then as he had the letter in his hand, besides having nothing to do, he read it through as carefully as if it were for the first time: "My Dear Friend,