He folded his hands in entreaty:
"Yes, yes, I know. You are a 'new woman.' You have your own laws. But I beseech you, take pity on me. Be an angel of mercy and come to San Stefano."
She seemed to hear a note of seduction in his voice and therefore said:
"Prince, even if it agreed with the conventions of your world ... even then I shouldn't wish to. For I will not leave Van der Staal."
"You come first and let him come a little later. Urania will be glad to have his advice on some artistic questions, concerning the 'doing up' of San Stefano. We have a lot of pictures there. And old things generally. Do let's arrange that. I am going to San Stefano to-morrow. Urania will follow me in a week. I will suggest to her to ask you down soon."
"Really, prince ... it can't happen just yet."
"Why not?"
She looked at him for some time before answering:
"Shall I be candid with you?"
"But of course!"