"Ah! you steal upon one as noiselessly, yet as destructive as the rats that crept upon the bowstrings at Pelusium! And the music of your eavesdropping voice;—
'Oh it came o'er my ear like the sweet south
That breathes upon a bank of violets.'"
She rose, made him a profound salaam, and with the black kitten in her arms, quitted the room.
"Will you come, in, Erle? Do you wish to see me?"
Mrs. Palma always looked ill at ease when Olga and her stepbrother exchanged words, and Regina had long observed that the entrance of the latter was generally the signal of departure for the former.
"I came in search of Regina, but chancing to hear the piano question discussed, permit me to say that I prefer to take the matter in my own hands. I will provide whatever may be deemed requisite, so that this young lady's Rothschild's allowance may continue to flow uninterruptedly into the coffers of confectioners and flower-dealers. Mrs. Palma, if you can spare the carriage, I should like the use of it for an hour or two."
"Oh, certainly! I had thought of driving to Stewart's, but to-morrow will suit me quite as well."
"By no means. You will have ample time after my return. Regina, I wish to see you."
She followed him into the hall.
"In the box of clothing that arrived several days ago, there is a white cashmere suit with blue silk trimmings?"