“Goes to see whom?”
“The young chemist—the brother.” She said this very seriously.
“Perhaps she does,” Hyacinth returned, laughing. “But she’s a fine sort of woman.”
The Princess repeated that she was sorry, and he again wanted to know for what—for Lady Aurora’s being of that sort? To which she replied: “No; I mean for my not being the first—what is it you call them?—noble lady you’ve encountered.”
“I don’t see what difference that makes. You needn’t be afraid you don’t make an impression on me.”
“I wasn’t thinking of that. I was thinking you might be less fresh than I first thought.”
“Of course I don’t know what you first thought,” Hyacinth smiled.
“No; how should you?” the Princess strangely sighed.
XXIII
He was in the library after luncheon when word was brought him that the carriage was at the door for their drive; and when he entered the hall he found Madame Grandoni bonneted and cloaked and awaiting the descent of their friend. “You see I go with you. I’m always there,” she remarked jovially. “The Princess has me with her to take care of her, and this is how I do it. Besides, I never miss my drive.”