“You never HAVE entertained it?” Maggie pursued.
“Never for an instant,” said Fanny with her head very high.
Maggie took it again, yet again as wanting more. “Pardon my being so horrid. But by all you hold sacred?”
Mrs. Assingham faced her. “Ah, my dear, upon my positive word as an honest woman.”
“Thank-you then,” said the Princess.
So they remained a little; after which, “But do you believe it, love?” Fanny inquired.
“I believe YOU.”
“Well, as I’ve faith in THEM, it comes to the same thing.”
Maggie, at this last, appeared for a moment to think again; but she embraced the proposition. “The same thing.”
“Then you’re no longer unhappy?” her guest urged, coming more gaily toward her.