"I would not let you go on any account," exclaimed Philip; "there is no such hurry about this business." "But we are keeping you from something else." "From nothing more interesting or agreeable, Count Golm. I give you my word, I happened to have nothing for to-night--positively nothing. I think, any way, I should have stayed at home." The Councillor shook his finger at him. "Upon my honour, Herr Schieler." Philip rang the bell. "Light the lamps in the drawing-room and in the dining-room. And Count Golm, Councillor Schieler, will you do me the honour to join me in my bachelor supper? Now, that is most kind of you; so put three places, Johann." "No ceremony, I beg!" said the Count. "None, I assure you. May I show you the way?" The servants had opened the folding-doors into the drawing-room. "You seem to have some beautiful things here," said the Count, standing and looking round the exquisite little study. "A few trifles, Count Golm, such as a man likes to have round him." "But that is a Vautier," said the Count, stopping before a picture. "Do you call that a trifle?" "Only from its size. I have a larger picture of his in the next room. And this little Scheurenberg ought to please you; at least, it is very much praised by connoisseurs." "Charming--quite charming!" said the Count. "And this exquisite water-colour--Passini, of course? "The office of showman is easy with Count Golm," said Philip to the Councillor. "It runs a little in my family," said the Count. "My great-grandfather was a celebrated collector, also my father. You must some day come and see my small gallery at Golm." "I only wish that you would give me an opportunity!" "Is an invitation opportunity enough?" Philip bowed. "I shall not fail, Count Golm." "This autumn, I hope? Do you shoot?" "Oh yes!" "Then you will not lack amusement when you come to Golm." "That I am certain of, in the company of the possessor of Golm." The Count bowed. Philip turned to the servants who at that moment entered the room. "How provoking! They have just let in a man who wants to see me for a few minutes on important business." "I can only repeat my request," said the Count. "And I protest again against your kind consideration, which is really quite unnecessary. I shall only be a minute." Philip led the two gentlemen to the drawing-room, and shut the doors after him. "Pleasant sort of fellow, this Herr Schmidt," said the Count. "Is not he?" answered the Councillor. "This time your prejudices were at fault." "It is not a prejudice. I made the acquaintance of a man of that name a few days ago--even had to entertain him at my own table--who was most objectionable to me."