She entered the drawing-room; Urania was there, blushing and embarrassed.
"You understand," Cornélie said, with a smile, "that I would not have disturbed you if it had not been important. A question between women ... and still important!" she continued, jestingly and the prince made an insipid, gallant reply. "May I speak to Miss Hope alone for a moment?"
The prince looked at her. He suspected unfriendliness in her and more, hostility. But he bowed, with his insipid smile, and said that he would leave the ladies to themselves. He went to another room.
"What is it, Cornélie?" asked Urania, in agitation. She took Cornélie's two hands and looked at her anxiously.
"Nothing," said Cornélie, severely. "I have nothing to say to you. Only I had my suspicions and felt sure that you would not keep your promise. I wanted to make certain if you were here. Why did you come?"
Urania began to weep.
"Don't cry!" whispered Cornélie, mercilessly. "For God's sake don't start crying! You've done the most thoughtless thing imaginable...."
"I know I have!" Urania confessed, nervously, drying her tears.
"Then why did you do it?"
"I couldn't help it."