She smiled and shrugged her shoulders:
“What would you have me do? Moan and groan about it?”
“But you are a woman ... a woman to revere and respect!” he cried. “How does Van der Staal take it?”
“He is a bit depressed, of course. He has never known money trouble. And it hinders him from employing his full talent. But I hope to help him bear up during this difficult time. So you see, prince, that I can’t come to San Stefano.”
“But why didn’t you write to us? Why not ask us for money?”
“It is very nice of you to say that, but the idea never even occurred to us.”
“Too proud?”
“Yes, too proud.”
“But what a position to be in! What can I do for you? May I give you two hundred lire? I have two hundred lire on me. And I will tell Urania that I gave it to you.”
“No, thank you, prince. I am very grateful to you, but I can’t accept it.”