“Well, if you dislike it, I won’t flirt with Gilio again or make myself conspicuous with him again. I don’t care twopence about your prince.”
“That’s an extra reason.”
“Very well, dear, that’s settled.”
Her coolness calmed Urania, who asked:
“And do we remain good friends?”
“Why, of course, my dear girl. Is there any occasion for us to quarrel? I don’t see it.”
Both of them, the prince and Urania, were quite indifferent to her. True, she had preached to Urania in the beginning, but about a general idea: when afterwards she perceived Urania’s insignificance, she withdrew the interest which she took in her. And, if the girl was offended by a little gaiety and innocent flirtation, very well, there should be no more of it. Her thoughts were more with the proofs which the post had brought her.
She got out of bed and stretched herself:
“Go into the sitting-room, Urania dear, and just let me have my bath.”
Presently, all fresh and smiling, she joined Urania in the sitting-room. Urania was crying.