What, then, was Paula's motive in receiving Bertha at the Hôtel Lambert? was it affectation or indifference?
Arnold was bewildered in conjecture, and when he reflected that he was about to see Bertha once more, astonishment, delight, and fear, agitated him in spite of himself, and he said to Paula in a voice which shook with emotion,—
"I think I have just seen some visitors arrive for you?"
"Yes," replied Madame de Hansfeld, who was also considerably embarrassed, "one of my friends has introduced me in society to Madame de Brévannes, who is, they say, so charming, and whom you find so!" she added, with a forced laugh, "Madame de Brévannes asked me what day I should be at home, I told her to-day, and then forgot it. She is waiting now with her husband. Not having seen you, it was impossible for me to tell you of this expected visit, which I should suppose, however, is by no means disagreeable to you."
"May I remark, godmother, that these gentlefolks have been here for a long time?" said Iris, with the kind of respectful familiarity which was usual with her.
"She is right," said De Hansfeld, imprudently yielding to the desire of once more seeing Bertha, and he rang the bell.
A footman appeared.
"Request the lady and gentleman to walk in," said the prince.
The footman left the room.
Iris and Paula exchanged a meaning look.