“The enthusiam, indeed, with which he spoke of her, quieted my apprehensions, and I promised that I would prepare the Count for an interview on the subject, and would acquaint him fully with the Duke’s fortune, family, and character. At the same time, I declared that I should not vote for a hasty marriage, as I by no means wished to load my own shoulders with the responsibility of having brought about an irrevocable transaction, which might or might not prove fortunate. The Duke was content with what I had said. At the same time he exacted from me a promise, which appeared to me then perfectly innocent, that I would not mention the circumstance of his former connection with Apollonia, as he would otherwise be exposed to the necessity of very tedious and disagreeable explanations.
“The Duke seemed to succeed in his purposes with wonderful rapidity. He had a fine manly figure, and eyes so sparkling and expressive, that they made their way at once to Libussa’s heart. His agreeable conversation was very welcome to the old Countess, and, by his knowledge of rural economy, he promised to be a most useful assistant to our worthy host in the management of his
H 2
