Sanin was utterly nonplussed. It was the first time in his life he had
had to deal with any one of ardent Italian blood.

'I will do whatever you like,' he cried. 'I will talk to Fraeulein
Gemma....'

Frau Lenore uttered a cry of delight.

'Only I really can't say what result will come of it ...'

'Ah, don't go back, don't go back from your words!' cried Frau Lenore
in an imploring voice; 'you have already consented! The result is
certain to be excellent. Any way, _I_ can do nothing more! She won't
listen to _me_!'

'Has she so positively stated her disinclination to marry Herr
Klueber?' Sanin inquired after a short silence.

'As if she'd cut the knot with a knife! She's her father all over,
Giovanni Battista! Wilful girl!'

'Wilful? Is she!' ... Sanin said slowly. 'Yes ... yes ... but she's
an angel too. She will mind you. Are you coming soon? Oh, my dear
Russian friend!' Frau Lenore rose impulsively from her chair, and as
impulsively clasped the head of Sanin, who was sitting opposite her.
'Accept a mother's blessing--and give me some water!'

Sanin brought Signora Roselli a glass of water, gave her his word of
honour that he would come directly, escorted her down the stairs to