"Thank you very much," said Lord Magellan, irresolute, and he looked at Kitty. The look apparently decided him, for he immediately added that he had unfortunately an engagement in the opposite direction. The actress angrily drew herself up, and proposed a later appointment. Then Kitty carelessly intervened.
"Do you remember that you promised to see me home?" she said to the young man. "Don't if it bores you!"
Lord Magellan eagerly protested. Kitty moved away, and he followed her.
"Chère madame, will you present me to your daughter?" said the Ricci, in an unnecessarily loud voice.
Madame d'Estrées, with a flurried gesture, touched Kitty on the arm.
"Kitty, Mademoiselle Ricci."
Kitty took no notice. Madame d'Estrées said, quickly, in a low, imploring voice:
"Please, dear Kitty. I'll explain."
Kitty turned abruptly, looked at her mother, and at the woman to whom she was to be introduced.
"Ah! comme elle est charmante!" cried the actress, with an inflection of irony in her strident voice. "Miladi, il faut absolument que nous nous connaissions. Je connais votre chère mère depuis si longtemps! À Paris, l'hiver passé c'était une amitié des plus tendres!"