The Councillor kissed Sidonie's hand and bowed low to Elsa, then turned to the General: "I have heaps of news for you, my dear friend." "Few things happen now to interest me, and still fewer that give me any pleasure," answered the General, with a courteous yet melancholy smile. "I fear I cannot promise that my news will give you any pleasure," said the Councillor; "but at least it is interesting even to you, ladies, that the Baroness, instead of arriving on the 1st as she originally intended, will arrive on the 10th, and will therefore be here in three days." "I had a letter this morning which said nothing about it," said the General. "My letter arrived this afternoon, and is, therefore, doubtless the latest; it is not from herself, however, but----" The Councillor was interrupted by a slight cough. "You may say the name out, my dear friend," said the General; "it cannot be avoided when once our meetings begin." "You are right!" exclaimed the Councillor; "and I am happy----" The widowed Countess von Fischbach arrived at this moment with her two daughters; the ladies were engaged with their guests, and the Councillor was able to draw the General aside. "I was about to say that I am happy to find you so well prepared for what awaits you from Munich. I know how painful everything connected with the subject is to you, and yet I must ask your patience for a few minutes before you are called away by your other guests. My second piece of news is that the concession is granted." "Impossible!" exclaimed the General. "As good as granted." "We had a meeting only this morning; it is true we were engaged upon other matters, but his Excellency would at least----"