The girl's heart beat audibly; but she had no alternative, she must kiss the gloved hand.
"You have never seen me before?" the lady asked.
Sophie shook her head in silent negation.
"Let us go together into your sitting-room, then. Is there any one with you?"
"No one."
The lady went on first, and, having reached the room, took off her bonnet. Her abundant fair hair was dressed high, à la giraffe.
"Now kiss me, child. I am your mother!"
Sophie did as she was bid.
The Princess looked about her. Embroideries, pretty dresses, the whole trousseau, lay scattered about in charming disorder.
"Ah! Your trousseau. So you are going to be married, little one? Did it never strike you that so serious a step demanded a mother's blessing upon it?"