"I don't exactly say that. I don't mean that. She is not su-su-superior—to"—
Bertha did not assist him by completing this disjointed phrase, even if she suspected what he desired to say.
At that moment Count Damoreau approached, accompanied by a gaunt, overdressed lady, with harsh and forbidding features.
"Lady Vivian is looking for Mademoiselle de Gramont. Did she not accompany you?" inquired the count.
"She intended to do so, but changed her mind."
"She received a letter from me to-day,—did she not?" continued Count Damoreau.
"Yes, I remember delivering one to her myself, which Baptiste said was brought by your valet."
"Did she not apprise you of its contents?"
"No. I was not present when she opened the letter."
"Then you do not know how she received my proposition?" remarked Lady Vivian, in a grating voice. "I begin to be a little doubtful myself how it will do. Is your cousin as handsome as they say she is?"