"Prince Wladimir is expected to be here for a moment."
"'You don't say so! Of course you and your niece could not fail. But take care! The 'illustrious lovers' are getting quite common. Come, come, I meant no harm; I readily allow the greatest latitude in the upper circles, if only the proprieties are observed as regards the lower ranks. But such things are going on now, dear Baroness--such things!"
And Baroness Kniebreche began waving her gigantic fan with much energy.
"May I venture to ask, dear Baroness?" whispered Baroness Holzweg, drawing nearer, in curiosity.
"Well, quite between ourselves, you know, dear Baroness."
"How can you imagine, dear Baroness--"
The heads of the two old ladies disappeared for a long time behind the black fan.
"And these are all facts, dear Baroness?"
"Absolute facts. I have them from Wallbach, who is generally discretion itself--but there are limits to everything. Is not that him there behind the door? Actually! and talking to Signor Giraldi. I must go there. That good man absolutely hears the grass grow."
The old lady got up with difficulty, and rustled off, with her glass to her half-blind eyes, towards the two gentlemen, every one retreating, scared, before the black fan.