"Doubtless ever since her journey to Florence, whither she went in company with her aunt?"
"You are right."
"The female I sent to speak to you has, I presume, acquainted you with the fact of my having matters of the utmost importance to communicate to the princess?"
"She stated as much to me."
"Have you acquainted Madame de Hansfeld with the visits of this person, or with the interview you have been kind enough to grant me?"
"I have not."
"And, no doubt, you have observed equal silence as regards the prince?"
"I never converse with his excellency."
"Your motive in meeting rare, therefore, this evening, was merely——"
"To ascertain what you had to communicate to my mistress, and to apprise her of it if I should deem it advisable."