My old clothes were in tatters, and the others looked very fine by contrast, so that when I had made my toilet I felt better able to show myself to the distinguished company I expected.

I had seen so much extraordinary endurance in Nino and Hedwig during the last two or three days that I was prepared to see them appear at any moment, brushed and curled and ready for anything.

The visit of the count, however, had seriously disturbed me, and I hardly knew what to look for from him.

As it turned out, I had not long to wait.
I was resting myself in the arm-chair, and smoking one of those infamous cigars that nearly suffocate me, just for company, and I was composing in my mind a letter to the authorities of the University, requesting that I might begin to lecture again.

I did not find out until later that I need not have written to them at all when I went away, as ten days are always allowed at Easter, in any case.