“Ah,” said the sculptress, “I am indeed glad to see you.”
“That gives me hope,” said the writer.
“Of what?” exclaimed Ouida.
“That you will break the silence you have maintained for years.”
“Ah, dear girl, there you, no matter how delicately, have approached forbidden ground.”
“Have I offended you?” said Miss Winters.
“No,” replied Ouida, “if any one could have probed the mystery of my life, it would have been you.”
“I thank you at least for that slight evidence of your confidence and esteem—”
“But,” said Ouida, interrupting, “I have taken Disraeli’s advice.”