Part 6 (1/2)
”The Countesses Reuss and Vitzthum,” announced the servant.
Hoym rushed towards the door, and was just about to send the lackey with a message that he could not receive any one, when he beheld the beautiful Countess Reuss, and, behind her, his own sister.
He had thought that as yet no one knew of his wife's arrival, but the visit of these two ladies convinced him that the folly he had committed when drunk had already made him the laughing-stock of the town.
Much confused, he ordered the servant to leave the room.
Countess Reuss, fresh and pretty, although a little too plump, and with a charming smile lighting up her features, had nothing terrible in her appearance, yet, looking at her, Count Hoym grew still more confused, as though some fresh misfortune threatened him through her.
Countess Vitzthum easily read her brother's feelings in his eyes, yet despite the Count's evident embarra.s.sment, the two ladies continued smiling pleasantly.
”Hoym!” said Countess Reuss, in her sweet, melodious voice, ”I really ought to be angry with you. Here is your wife come to Dresden, and you never told me a word about it. I learned it from Hulchen by a pure accident.”
”What?” exclaimed the Count impatiently. ”Even Hulchen knows of it already?”
”Oh, yes! She and every one are talking of it. They say that at length you have shown some common sense, and that your wife will no longer be condemned to wither away in the desert.”
She approached the Countess as she spoke, looking at her inquisitively.
”How are you, my dear Countess?” said she, shaking hands with her. ”How delighted I am to welcome you here in your proper place. I am your first visitor, but, believe me, it is not curiosity that has prompted this visit, but an earnest desire to serve you. To-morrow you will appear at the Queen's ball, my beautiful hermit. You do not know Dresden; I entreat you command my service. Your sister-in-law and I have been uneasy about you. Poor frightened birdie.”
During this speech, the lady whom the Countess Reuss had called a frightened bird had stood proud and erect, looking just as though she had ruled in this mansion for years past.
”I thank you!” she replied coldly. ”My husband has just told me of the ball. But is my presence necessary? Can I not be taken ill from emotion that so great a favour has been shown me?”
”I should not advise you to make any such pretext,” replied Countess Reuss, whom Hoym was leading to the gloomy reception room. ”No one would believe that you were ill, for you look exactly like Juno, full of health and strength; and no one would believe that you were frightened either, for you are perfectly fearless.”
Countess Vitzthum took her sister's arm, and taking advantage of the moment when her brother could not hear what she said, whispered,--
”Dear Anna! there is no reason for you to fear, or to excuse yourself; now at last your captivity is at an end. You shall see the court, the King, and all our splendour, which is unrivalled throughout the whole of Europe. I congratulate you. I am convinced that a most splendid future awaits you.”
”I had become so accustomed to my life of tranquillity,” replied the Countess, ”that I desired nothing different.”
”Hoym,” continued Countess Vitzthum, ”will be consumed with jealousy.”
Then she laughed.
The three ladies and the confused Secretary to the Treasury were still standing in the reception room, when the lackey summoned Count Hoym from the apartment. As soon as he had gone, Countess Reuss seated herself, and addressing her beautiful hostess, said,--
”My dear, it is such a pleasure to me to be the first to welcome you at the commencement of your new life. Believe me, I can be useful to you.
Hoym most unwillingly gave you this opportunity, which if rightly used, will carry you very high indeed. You are beautiful as an angel.”
Countess Hoym was silent for a moment, then she replied coldly,--
”You are mistaken, dear Countess, in thinking I am ambitious. The foolish years of my life are long past. Whilst living in my quiet country home, I was obliged to think much both about myself and the world, and now my only wish is to return to the country, and continue my study of the Bible.”
Countess Reuss laughed.
”Everything will be changed now,” said she. ”At present let us talk about your gown for to-morrow's ball. Vitzthum, you and I must advise her what to wear; she will not do her beauty justice if left to herself. You must take care of the honour of your brother's house.”