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 to the Count, “and when-you talk to her about me in the future tell her that above all virtues I respect the truth, and request her in my name never to exchange it for any other quality more pleasing and agreeable to people.”

The Countess thanked the Emperor with a smile.

“I regret,” warmly added the Emperor, “really regret, that without having had time to become fully acquainted with Miss Felsenburk, I must say adieu. My time just now is very closely measured; in half an hour I must be on my way to Vienna, I confess that today for the first time it is hard for me to do what I have laid out as my duty.”

“Shall I, then, carry away the cup empty?” the young lady sadly replied.

“Just for to-day, Miss Felsenburk; we are not talking together for the last time. I hope we shall soon meet again; meet we must. Till then I shall think about your words, and will try to answer to your satisfaction all your questions. In return for that, you shall again