brought back to Franz, in spite of himself, the recollection of the
terror with which the count had inspired the Countess G——, and her firm
conviction that the man in the opposite box was a vampire.
At the end of the breakfast Franz took out his watch.
“Well,” said the count, “what are you doing?”
“You must excuse us, count,” returned Franz, “but we have still much to
do.”
“What may that be?”
“We have no masks, and it is absolutely necessary to procure them.”
“Do not concern yourself about that; we have, I think, a private room in
the Piazza del Popolo; I will have whatever costumes you choose brought
to us, and you can dress there.”
“After the execution?” cried Franz.
“Before or after, whichever you please.”
“Opposite the scaffold?”
“The scaffold forms part of the fête.”
“
