Part 22 (1/2)
CHAPTER IX.
SIGNS AND WONDERS.
The great number of strangers who were unable to get tickets the day before had rendered a second performance necessary. The countess did not attend it. To her the play had been no spectacle, but an experience--a repet.i.tion would have degraded it to a mere drama. She had spent the day in retirement, like a prisoner, that she might not fall into the hands of any acquaintances. Now the distant rumble of carriages announced the close of the performance. It was a delightful autumn evening. The Gross family came to the window on their return home, and wondered to find the countess still in her room. The sounds of stifled sobs echoed from the work room. The other lodgers in the house had come back from the theatre and, like every one, were paying their tribute of tears. An American had gone to-day for the second time. He sat weeping on the bench near the stove, and said that it had been even more touching than yesterday. Andreas Gross a.s.sented: ”Yes, Joseph Freyer never played as he did to-day.”
The countess, sitting in her room, heard the words and was strangely moved. Why had he never played as he did _to-day_?
Some one tapped gently on the door.
A burning blush suffused the countess' face--had _he_--? He might have pa.s.sed through the garden from the other side to avoid the spectators.
”Come in!” she called.
It was Josepha with a telegram in her hand. The messenger was waiting for an answer.
The countess opened it and read the contents. It was from the prince.
”Please inform me whether I shall countermand the dinner.”
”Very well. I will send the reply.”
Josepha withdrew.
”If Ludwig were only here!” thought the countess. ”He must be waiting to bring Freyer, as he did yesterday.”
The rapid pulsing of her heart almost stifled her. One quarter of an hour pa.s.sed after another. At last Ludwig came--but alone.
The countess was sitting at the open window and Ludwig paused beside it.
”Well, how was the play to-day?”
”Magnificent,” he replied. ”I never saw Freyer so superb. He was perfect, fairly superhuman! It is a pity that you were not there.”
”Did he inquire for me?”
”Yes. I explained to him that you did not wish to see it a second time--and for what reason. He nodded and said: 'I am glad the lady feels so.'”
”Then--we understand each other!” The countess drew a long breath. ”Did you ask him to come here with you?”
”No. I thought I ought not to do that--he must come now of his own free will, or you would be placed in a false position.”
”You are right--I thank you!” said the countess, turning pale and biting her lips. ”Do you think that--he will come?”
”Unfortunately, no--he went directly home.”
”Will you do me a favor?”
”Certainly, Countess.”
”Despatch a telegram for me. I have arranged to give a dinner party at home and should like to send a message that I am coming.”