"I am certain she will receive you, should you desire it." I feigned a sort of vexation, and made an abrupt movement of impatience.
"The fact is," I said, at last, "I very much dislike talking to women.
They are always illogical, and their frivolity wearies me.

But you have been so friendly that I will give you a message for the countess--if you have no objection to deliver it.

I should be sorry to trouble you unnecessarily--and you perhaps will not have an opportunity of seeing her for some days ?" He colored slightly and moved uneasily.

Then with a kind of effort, he replied: "On the contrary, I am going to see her this very evening.

I assure you it will be a pleasure to me to convey to her any greeting you may desire to send." "Oh, it is no greeting," I continued, calmly, noting the various signs of embarrassment in his manner with a careful eye.