"My daughter's guardians bought it for her not long ago," explained the Countess Fortiguerra, "with my approval, and we have of course changed the name."
"Naturally," said Guido, gravely, but looking at Lamberti, who almost smiled under his red beard. "And you approved of the change, Mademoiselle," Guido added, turning to Cecilia, and with an interrogation in his voice.
"Not at all," she answered, with sudden coldness. "It was Goldbirn—"
"Yes," said the Countess, weakly, "it was Baron Goldbirn who insisted upon it, in spite of us."
"Goldbirn—Goldbirn," repeated the Princess vaguely. "The name has a familiar sound."
"Your Highness has a current account with them in Vienna," observed Monsieur Leroy.
"Yes, yes, certainly. Doudou acts as my secretary sometimes, you know."
The information seemed necessary, as Monsieur Leroy's position had been far from clear.
"Baron Goldbirn was associated with Cecilia's father in some railways in South America," said the Countess, "and is her principal guardian. He will always continue to manage her fortune for her, I hope."
Clearly, Cecilia was an heiress, and was to marry Guido d'Este as soon as the matter could be arranged. That was the Princess's plan. Lamberti thought that it remained to be seen whether Guido would agree to the match.