“That has never been a reason for a man’s not going to see a woman,” said the Princess. “It’s usually a reason in favour of it.”
Paul turned his steady eyes over the room, looking from one article of furniture to another: this was a way he had when engaged in a discussion, and it suggested not so much his reflecting on what his interlocutor said as that his thoughts were pursuing a bravely independent course. Presently he took up her remark. “I don’t know that I quite understand what you mean by that question of taking a woman seriously.”
“Ah you’re very perfect!” she lightly wailed. “Don’t you consider that the changes you look for will be also for our benefit?”
“I don’t think they’ll alter your position.”
“If I didn’t hope for that I wouldn’t do anything,” said the Princess.
“Oh I’ve no doubt you’ll do a great deal.”
The young man’s companion was silent for some minutes, during which he also was content to say nothing. “I wonder you can find it in your conscience to work with me,” she observed at last.
“It isn’t in my conscience I find it,” he laughed.
The maid-servant brought in the tea, and while his hostess made a place for it on a table beside her she returned: “Well, I don’t care, for I think I have you in my power.”
“You’ve every one in your power,” Paul declared.