"My husband has telephoned that he cannot leave the Senate," she said.
"Well?" Sabina did not understand.
"But Malipieri has come expressly to see him."
"He can see him at the Senate," suggested Sabina.
"But I have asked Malipieri to stay to luncheon. If I tell him that my husband is not coming, perhaps he will not stay after all."
"Perhaps not," echoed Sabina with great calmness.
"You do not seem to care," said the Baroness.
"Why should I?"
"I thought you liked him. I thought it would amuse you if he lunched with us."
Sabina looked at her with some curiosity.