"She may do so."
"I hope otherwise."
"In that case, madame, we are agreed. All shall be done as you wish. I will write now to the prince explaining my departure."
Content with having got this promise, she left him and went at once to her daughter's room.
The princess was at her toilet when her mother came into the room.
"Send away the maid," she said; "I have something to say to you."
Rather surprised, Lise Olsdorf obeyed. Then turning to her mother, she asked, with a smile:
"What have you to tell me that is so mysterious?"
"I have just requested Monsieur Paul Meyrin to leave Pampeln to-day," replied the ex-Countess Barineff.
The princess understood all, and anger flushed her face with blood; but not losing self-command, she replied calmly: