Eva was silent.
"And everything was arranged."
Eva still said nothing. She looked about the room with wandering attention, as though this did not concern her.
"Of course I would never force you into anything," Fanny went on. "But I thought Pierre would be so congenial." In her heart she was asking herself what the young Belgian could have done. "Well, dear," she continued, with a little sigh, "you must always tell mamma everything." And she kissed her.
"Of course," Eva answered. And then she went away.
Fanny immediately rang the bell, and asked for Mademoiselle. But Mademoiselle knew nothing about it. She was overwhelmed with surprise and dismay. She greatly admired Pierre; even more she admired the old Count, whom she thought the most distinguished of men. Fanny dismissed the afflicted little woman, and sat pondering. While she was thinking, Eva re-entered.
"Mamma, I forgot to say that I should like to have you tell Pierre immediately. To-day."
Fanny was almost irritated. "You have never taken that tone before, my daughter. Have you no longer confidence in my judgment?"
"If you do not want to tell him this afternoon, it can be easily arranged, mamma; I will not come to the dinner-table; that is all. I do not wish to see him until he knows."
Pierre was to dine at the villa that evening.