require of a painting."

Master Nietzel hastily seized the count's hand, and pressed it to his
lips. "Most gracious sir," he cried, "you have purchased my Venus with
your money, my heart with your magnanimity! Henceforth I am yours, body
and soul, and it is just, as if--"

"As if you had leagued yourself with the devil, is it not?" laughed the
count.

"No, as if I had no longer any other will than yours--that is what I
wished to say, most gracious lord. Only command me, say what I must do,
and it shall be done."

"You go, then, to Holland, and purchase pictures there for me, and study
the Flemish painters?"

"I will go to Holland, your excellency."

"You will seek to gain access to the Electoral Prince, to acquire
influence over him, and to cheer him up a little?"

"I shall do as your grace directs."

"You will send me weekly a written statement of all that you see and hear
there?"

"I shall send you a written statement," replied Gabriel, with downcast
eyes and a hardly suppressed sigh.