don't let it break you up completely. We can go back home after
a while and you will forget her. A countess, of course, is
different."

"Harry, I know it is downright madness for me to act like this,"
said Lorry, his jaws set and his hands clenched as he raised
himself to his elbow. "You don't know how much I love her."

"Your nerve is to be admired, but--well, I'm sorry for you."

"Thanks for your sympathy. I suppose I'll need it," and he sank
back gloomily. Anguish was right--absurdly right.

There was a rap at the door and Anguish hastened to open it. A
servant presented Count Halfort's compliments and begged leave to
call.

"Shall we see the old boy?" asked Harry.

"Yes, yes," responded the other. The servant understood the sign
made by Anguish and disappeared. "Diplomatic call, I suspect."

"He is the prime minister, I understand. Well, we'll diplome
with him until bed-time, if he cares to stay. I'm getting rather
accustomed to the nobility. They are not so bad, after all.
Friendly and all that--Ah, good evening, your excellency! We are
honored."

The Count had entered the room and was advancing toward the
couch, tall, easy and the personification of cordiality.