“Ah, yes!”
“But at least you will prescribe a penance,” he persisted; “a severe one!”
“Shall I?” she smiled at him. “Very well. Hereafter you will be my friend, yes?”
“All my life,” he promised. “But that is not a penance—that is a reward.”
“Ah, my friend,” she said, laughing, “do not be too sure! I can be very exacting, sometimes. So you may find it a penance—a very heavy one—before you have finished!”
“I am proud to take the risk,” he said, covering her hand for a moment with his own. “We must pledge this friendship!”
She nodded assent, and a waiter took the order and hurried away.
“What is it you propose to do with young Davis?” asked Selden, after a moment.
“Are you concerned for him also?” inquired Madame Ghita, drily.
“Not in the least—only curious. I suppose you know that they are planning to marry him to the Princess Anna?”