"Herr Count Vavel, I believe?" he began, halting in front of Ludwig and
his companion. "Allow me to introduce myself; I am Colonel Vicomte Leon
Barthelmy."
Count Vavel murmured something which gave the colonel to understand that
he (the count) was very glad to learn the gentleman's name.
"I have long desired to make your acquaintance," continued the colonel
(his companions had halted several paces distant). "I was so unfortunate
as not to find you at home the three calls I made at your castle. Now,
however, I shall take this opportunity to say to you what I wanted to
say then. First, however, let me introduce my friends,"--waving his hand
toward the two officers,--"Captain Kriegeisen and Lieutenant Zagodics,
of Emperor Alexander's dragoons."
Count Vavel again gave utterance to his pleasure on making the
acquaintance of the colonel's friends. Then he said courteously:
"In what way can I serve you, Herr Colonel?"
"In a very simple manner, Herr Count," responded the colonel. "I have
had the peculiar misfortune which sometimes overtakes a married man; my
wife deceived me, and ran away with her lover, whom I do not even know.
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