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Rh obviously impressed. "Yes, that is to say, he is still at college; he is the son of Judge Sprezius. He is the poor relation, you know, whom the old Count wishes his daughter to marry. He promises the old man that he will search the whole world for the secret Countess."

"Very naturally," said Diederich. "It is in his own interest to do so."

"You will see, he is a noble character."

"But Jadassohn, Countess. If you will allow me to say so, you should not have given him a part," said Diederich reproachfully and with secret satisfaction. "If only on account of his ears."

Frau von Wulckow felt crushed, as she replied: "I did not think that they would have such an effect on the stage. Do you think it will be a failure?"

"Countess!" Diederich laid his hand on his heart. "A play like The Secret Countess' cannot be spoiled so easily! Isn't that so? In the theatre it is artistic significance that counts."

"Certainly. But it must be admitted a pair of ears like that have a great deal of influence"—Diederich looked thoughtful.

Frau von Wulckow cried pleadingly. "The second act is a great deal better. The scene takes place in the house of an upstart manufacturer, where the secret countess is engaged as housemaid. They have a music-teacher, a vulgar person, who has even kissed one of the daughters, and he now proposes to the Countess, but she naturally repulses him. A music-teacher! How could she?"

Diederich agreed that it was out of the question.

"But now you will see how tragic it becomes. The daughter who allowed the music-teacher to kiss her becomes engaged to a lieutenant at a dance, and when the lieutenant comes to the house, it is the same lieutenant who—"

"Good Heavens, Countess!" Diederich stretched out his