No longer ago than yesterday afternoon the little Swiss cottage had been flanked by the Wiener Gigerl, whose smart red coat and insolent face had been the cause of so much disaster and anxiety during the past twenty-four hours.

The very fact that the doll was no longer there, in its accustomed place, served to remind the Count of his rash promise to pay the money and dangerously increased the excitement which already possessed him.

He wiped the cold drops from his brow and leaned for a moment against the brick wall behind him.

He was dizzy, confused and tired.
The tormenting thought that was driving him recalled his failing consciousness of outer things.

He straightened himself again and made a step forward, as though he would cross the street, but paused again before his foot had left the pavement.