“Perhaps not,” I answered; “but I suppose he was tempted.”
“Do you think very badly of me?”
“I should think you perfection if——”
“Well?”
“You would give me some breakfast.”
“Oh, what a shame! You’re starving! And after all you have done! Come, I’ll wait on you.”
My meal was very pleasant. The lady was charming; she satisfied every feeling I had, except curiosity. She was clearly English; equally clearly she was involved with some great people on the Continent. I gathered that the baron had insulted her, when she was with the prince, and the latter could not, whether for state or domestic reasons, espouse the quarrel. So far I got, but no farther.
“What a debt I owe you!” she said, as she led the way after breakfast to the top of a little tower. An awning was spread overhead, and armchairs on the floor. A cool breeze blew, and stirred her hair.
“I am more than paid!”
“Fancy, if you had been hurt!”