"I am very fond of the Dazzaras," says the duchess; "but"—and she laughs mysteriously and meaningly—"he was always an unlucky bird...."
"His excellency the Duke of Mena-Doni," the butler announces.
"The rising sun!" Xardi whispers to Lady Danbury.
Mena-Doni bows before the duchess, who smiles upon him. Lady Danbury, standing by Xardi's side, continues:
"And the lucky bird?"
"Oh no!" says Xardi, with decision. "At least, not altogether...."
They look at each other and laugh:
"Imperial eagles are the finest birds, after all, don't you think?" says Lady Danbury, jestingly.
"What do you know about it?"
"Alas, I am too unimportant to know anything! Before I get so far in my zoological studies...."