"Perhaps that is as well," said the Princess.
"Is it permitted to know the object of the charity we are going to assist so well?" said Moricourt.
Lady Chaloner, dimly aware that Mrs. Birkett was becoming very uncomfortable, although she did not clearly distinguish whether the peculiar expression to be observed on the latter's face came from irritation or embarrassment, hastily said—
"It is not a charity exactly. It is for the English Church at Schleppenheim. This is Mrs. Birkett, the wife of the clergyman," indicating Mrs. Birkett.
"Ah!" said Moricourt, "the English Church," and he bowed to Mrs. Birkett as though making the acquaintance of that honoured institution. Princess Hohenschreien also included herself in the introduction, and bowed with a good-natured smile of absolute indifference to Mrs. Birkett and to all that she represented.
"Well, now then, seriously," said Lady Chaloner, "do you undertake the Café Chantant, Madeline?"
"Not the whole of it, my dear lady," said the Princess. "That really is too much to ask. M. Moricourt and I will act a play."
"How long does the play last?" said Lady Chaloner.
"How long did we say it took?" said the Princess to her companion. "It depends upon how often Moricourt forgets his part. When we rehearsed it last night he waited quite ten minutes in the middle of it."
"I must remind you," said Moricourt, "that I was pausing to admire ... the beautiful feathers in your hat."