When the little ray of sunshine had vanished the Grand Duchess remained a moment in thought, fingering the trifles that lay scattered about the room. Then she said:
"Monsieur Vignerte, I have an important piece of news for you."
My reply was a look of hungry questioning.
"I have the honour to inform you," she continued, "that I have just received a letter—a letter from Baron von Boose."
I showed my astonishment.
"Do you imagine," she said, "that dear little Marthe has come from Paris solely to bring me Duvelleroy's baubles, charming though they are?"
* * * * * *
Friday evening. Eight o'clock. We had just finished dinner. A footman entered with the evening post—a dozen letters—which he handed to the Grand Duchess.
"Will you excuse me?" she said.
She looked at the seals of all the envelopes, then she opened one.