"He means, dear," said Hyacinth, "that it is quite obvious that the Countess did it, and we have known about it for days."
Udo wore, as far as his face would permit, the slightly puffy expression of one who has just said something profoundly ironical and is feeling self-conscious about it.
"Oh—h," said Wiggs in such a disappointed voice that it seemed as if she were going to cry.
Hyacinth, like the dear that she was, made haste to comfort her.
"We didn't really know," she said; "we only guessed it. But now that you have found out, I shall be able to punish her properly. No, don't come with me," she said, as she rose and moved towards the door; "stay here and help his Royal Highness. Perhaps you can find the book that he wants; you've read more of them than I have, I expect."
Left alone with the Prince, Wiggs was silent for a little, looking at him rather anxiously.
"Do you know all about the Countess?" she asked at last.
"If there's anything I don't know, it must be very bad."
"Then you know that it's all my fault that you are like this? Oh, dear Prince Udo, I am so dreadfully sorry."
"What do you mean—your fault?"