“I don't believe he said anything of the sort!” she cried. “You both of you only want to hurt me and insult Rudolph! I won't stand it!”
She was already on her feet to leave them, when her mother stopped her, and Sir Justin hastened to explain.
“No reflection upon the Baron's character was intended, I assure you. The Prince merely meant to imply that he represented the social rather than the business side of the embassy. And both are equally necessary, I assure you—equally essential, Baroness, believe me.”
“In fact,” said the Countess, “the remark comes to this, that Rudolph would never be sent to Russia, whatever else they might expect of him.”
Even through their tears Alicia's eyes brightened with triumph.
“But he HAS gone, mamma! I got a letter from him this morning—from St. Petersburg!”
The satisfaction of her two physicians on hearing this piece of good news took the form of a start which might well have been mistaken for mere astonishment, or even for dismay.
“And you did not tell ME of it!” cried her mother.
“Rudolph did not wish me to. I have only told you now to prove how utterly wrong you both are.”
“Let me see this letter!”