Page:Maria Felicia.pdf/57

 At the young lady’s command the chamberlains standing at the door pushed aside the draperies, and she disappeared with her attendants as suddenly as she had done before among the pillars. A lackey came to the Count and announced that the Countess was about to start with the young nobles to take a morning ride.

“To take a morning ride!” said the astonished Count, pushing aside a curtain on the window near which he was standing. A wide stream of light, from which the frightened ladies drew back lest it might touch their pale faces and crushed dresses, poured in upon the company. At the same time the horseshoes tinkled on the pavement; the young lady and her attendants were setting out for their trip on horseback.

“Is it really daylight?” said the Emperor with surprise, and looking at his watch, quickly added: “I have just enough time left to strengthen and refresh myself also with some kind of outing. What do you say, Count—suppose we follow the Countess?”