I found myself in a box opposite to a pretty woman, who looked at me again and again through her opera-glass.  That was enough to rouse my curiosity, and I begged M. de Lastic to introduce me; which he did with the best grace imaginable.  He first presented me to Count Kettler, lieutenant-general in the Austrian army, and on the general staff of the French army—­just as the French General Montacet was on the staff of the Austrian army.  I was then presented to the lady whose beauty had attracted my attention the moment I entered my box.  She greeted me graciously, and asked me questions about Paris and Brussels, where she had been educated, without appearing to pay any attention to my replies, but gazing at my lace and jewellery.

While we were talking of indifferent matters, like new acquaintances, she suddenly but politely asked me if I intended to make a long stay in Cologne.

“I think of crossing the Rhine to-morrow,” I answered, “and shall probably dine at Bonn.”

This reply, which was given as indifferently as her question, appeared to vex her; and I thought her vexation a good omen.  General Kettler then rose, saying,—­

“I am sure, sir, that this lady will persuade you to delay your departure—­at least, I hope so, that I may bane the pleasure of seeing more of your company.”

I bowed and he went out with Lastic, leaving me alone with this ravishing beauty.  She was the burgomaster’s wife, and the general was nearly always with her.

“Is the count right,” said she, pleasantly, “in attributing such power to me?”

“I think so, indeed,” I answered, “but he may possibly be wrong in thinking you care to exercise it.”

“Very good!  We must catch him, then, if only as the punishment of his indiscretion.  Stay.”

I was so astonished at this speech that I looked quite foolish and had to collect my senses.  I thought the word indiscretion sublime, punishment exquisite, and catching admirable; and still more the idea of catching him by means of me.  I thought it would be a mistake to enquire any further, and putting on an expression of resignation and gratitude I lowered my lips and kissed her hand with a mixture of respect and sentiment, which, without exactly imparting my feelings for her, let her know that they might be softened without much difficulty.

“Then you will stay, sir!  It is really very kind of you, for if you went off to-morrow people might say that you only came here to shew your disdain for us.  Tomorrow the general gives a ball, and I hope you will be one of the party.”

“Can I hope to dance with you all the evening?”

“I promise to dance with nobody but you, till you get tired of me.”

“Then we shall dance together through all the ball.”

“Where did you get that pomade which perfumes the air?  I smelt it as soon as you came into the box.”

“It came from Florence, and if you do not like it you shall not be troubled with it any more.”