The countess stood and looked at me. I bowed and smiled.
"You are naturally surprised," I said, in my smoothest tone.
"In his place?" she repeated, in incredulous tones.
"Hush!" she exclaimed. "We needn't mention names."
It suited me perfectly not to mention names.
"But how is it possible?" she asked. "Do you know what he was to come for?"
"But how did you know anything about it? Did he tell you about the pr--about the affair?"
"Oh, that's absurd! Why, you never heard of me!"
"And--did you recognize me under my new name?"
"The--he told me that. Must I confess? I jumped at the chance of serving you."
She smiled at this, but still looked perturbed.
"Pray don't be distressed," said I. "I am very discreet."
"Oh, I hope so! The prince [she spoke in a whisper] was so urgent about discretion. You haven't seen him?"
"I don't quite understand." This was my first truthful remark.
"And the baron? No, forgive me. You! Are you hurt?"
"I am sorry, countess. Not quite. Was that necessary?"
"Oh, no! Though he deserved it. He insulted me shamefully."
"They gave it to me. You only said for the gentleman who dined with your friends."
"Yes. How I wish I were the rightful owner of it!"
"May I tell you already? Or have you guessed already?"
"I don't see what else the prince could do, you know," she said. "He ought, of course, never to have gone to the ball at all."
"Perhaps not," I answered; "but I suppose he was tempted."
"Oh, what a shame! You're starving! And after all you have done! Come, I'll wait on you."
My meal was very pleasant. The lady was charming; she satisfied every feeling I had, except curiosity. She was clearly English; equally clearly she was involved with some great people on the Continent. I gathered that the baron had insulted her, when she was with the prince, and the latter could not, whether for state or domestic reasons, espouse the quarrel. So far I got, but no farther.
"What a debt I owe you!" she said, as she led the way after breakfast to the top of a little tower. An awning was spread overhead, and armchairs on the floor. A cool breeze blew, and stirred her hair.
"Better I than the colonel!" I suggested.
"Oh, well," she said, "you came, and he didn't. I like you best."
It was all very charming, but time was flying, and I began to plan a graceful exit.