"I think a little Court theatre like that," continued Eissler, "is just the right place for you for the beginning. The fact of your belonging to the nobility won't hurt you at all, not even with my friend Malnitz, however much he likes to play the democrat, or even at times the anarchist ... with the exception of bombs, of course; but he is a charming man and really awfully musical.... Even though he isn't exactly a composer." "Well," replied George, somewhat embarrassed, "if you would have the kindness to speak to him.... I can't afford to let any chance slip. At any rate, I thank you very much." "Not at all, I don't guarantee success, it is just a chance, like any other." Frau Oberberger and Sissy came in, escorted by Demeter. "What interesting conversation are we interrupting?" said Frau Oberberger. "The experienced platonic lover and the inexperienced rake? One should really have been there." "Don't upset yourself, Katerina," said Eissler, and his voice had again its deep vibrating ring. "One sometimes talks about other things, such as the future of the human race." Sissy put a cigarette between her lips, allowed George to give her a light and sat down in the corner of the green leather sofa. "You are not bothering about me at all to-day," she began with that English accent of hers which George liked so well. "As though I positively didn't exist. Yes, that's what it is. I am really a more constant nature than you are, am I not?" "You constant, Sissy?"... He pushed an arm-chair quite near to her. They spoke of the past summer and the one that was coming. "Last year," said Sissy, "you gave me your word you would come wherever I was, and you didn't do it. This year you must keep your word." "Are you going into the Isle of Wight again?" "No, I am going into the mountains this time, to the Tyrol or the Salzkammergut. I will let you know soon. Will you come?" "But you are bound to have a large following anywhere." "I won't trouble about any one except you, George." "Even supposing Willy Eissler happens to stay in your vicinity?" "Oh," she said, with a wanton smile and put out her cigarette by pressing it violently upon the glass ash-tray. They went on talking. It was just like one of those conversations they had had so often during the last few years. It began lightly and flippantly, and eventually finished in a blaze of tender lies which were true for just one moment. George was once again fascinated by Sissy. "I would really prefer to go travelling with you," he whispered quite near her. She just nodded. Her left arm rested on the broad back of the ottoman. "If one could only do as one wanted," she said, with a look that dreamt of a hundred men. He bent down over her trembling arm, went on speaking and became intoxicated with his own words. "Somewhere where nobody knows us, where nobody bothers about any one, that is where I should like to be with you, Sissy, many days and nights."