Baron de Berghem was
too attentive, and too deferential. He smiled and bowed too much.
He made no allusion to the last night's scene, nor did his tutored
companion, but spoke of different and lighter subjects, in a manner
which at once proved his experience of society, the liveliness of his
talents, and the cultivation of his taste. He told many stories, all
short and poignant, and always about princes and princesses. Whatever
was broached, he always had his _apropos_ of Vienna, and altogether
seemed an experienced, mild, tolerant man of the world, not bigoted to
any particular opinions upon any subject, but of a truly liberal and
philosophic mind.
When they had sat chatting for half-an-hour, the Baron developed the
object of his visit, which was to endeavour to obtain the pleasure of
his Grace's company at dinner, to taste some wild boar and try some
tokay. The Duke, who longed again for action, accepted the invitation;
and then they parted.
Our hero was quite surprised at the feverish anxiety with which he
awaited the hour of union. He thought that seven o'clock would never
come. He had no appetite at breakfast, and after that he rode, but
luncheon was a blank.
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