Page:Maria Felicia.pdf/81

 Count went on, as though he did not notice her emotion.

“In four weeks you can be ready for the journey. It is unnecessary for me to tell you not to spare expense, to get the most beautiful and costly outfit possible to procure. I will look around for material and jewelry myself, that you may be the first at the court, not only in beauty, but in dress and jewelry,” the Count added, rising as if everything were settled and it were unnecessary to prolong the interview.

“I am not going a step,” finally escaped the lips of the struggling Countess.

The veins on the Count’s forehead swelled.

“I have said—you are going!”

“I am not going!”

“You must!”

“I hope you will not force me to go?”

“Yes, I decidedly will.”

“Such, then, is your pride. Count Felsenburk,” exclaimed Maria Felicia. “That is why you appealed to your daughter’s love, tested her heart, talked about family honor—