before everything! Don't forget: the better price you get for your estate, the more there will be for you two, and for your children.'
Gemma turned away, and Sanin gave another wave of his hand. 'You can rely on my prudence, Frau Lenore! Indeed, I shan't do any bargaining with her. I shall tell her the fair price; if she 'll give it—good; if not, let her go.'
'Do you know her—this lady?' asked Gemma.
'I have never seen her.'
'And when will you come back?'
'If our negotiations come to nothing—the day after to-morrow; if they turn out favourably, perhaps I may have to stay a day or two longer. In any case I shall not linger a minute beyond what's necessary. I am leaving my heart here, you know! But I have said what I had to say to you, and I must run home before setting off too.. . . Give me your hand for luck, Frau Lenore—that's what we always do in Russia.'
'The right or the left?'
'The left, it's nearer the heart. I shall reappear the day after to-morrow with my shield or on it! Something tells me I shall come back in triumph! Good-bye, my good dear ones.. . .'
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