"Very far from it. Did she say anything of it to you?"
"Why, yes; she asked me to take her away by the next train."
"I thought she would; was it back to Italy?"
"No; to Paris—and what's more, she wants Harry Lassett to be of the party."
He thought it necessary to tell her this: he had debated it while sitting there and watching her graceful movements about the room. His own act had committed Maryska to her charge; his own words must warn her of a possible danger. Upon her part, however, the whole thing was treated without concern, merely as the odd whim of a capricious child who was sick. She surprised him very much by her attitude.
"Harry amuses her," she said without turning, "he can be so atrociously vulgar. An accomplishment, is it not, when it brings a little sunshine? They have been the best of friends, and he comes here every day with some present or other for her. It is all quite pretty, and I am very grateful to him."
"Then you would approve of his coming on my yacht?"
"If he could go, yes; but I know that it is quite impossible. He has developed a surprising interest in his business; he is in town every day. It's really most wonderful!"
"May I ask what his business is, by the way?"
She looked a little pained.