Coolly I said:
"Well, Countess, you have somewhat of an advantage. But if I can be
of any assistance to you, pray command me."
As answer, she sprang up, and pirouetting around the room, exclaimed:
"Now, why be peevish. If you're good and nice, I shall tell you
sometime all about it."
She never did, for with all her ingenuous mannerisms, my lady was
about the deepest and least fathomable bit of femininity I have ever
met--besides being the possessor of a devil of a temper. After some
more banter, which I instigated to become somewhat acquainted with my
prospective partner, I came to business.
"Do you know, Countess, the object of my mission?"
"Nothing beyond the intimation of your coming and the command to
cooperate with you if necessary. So you had better enlighten me, mon
ch??re."
I did so with some reservation, it being my habit not to let anyone
into a thing too much, least of all a woman. I suggested that our
first object was to make Prince Galitzin's acquaintance. As his
Serene Highness resided at the Hotel de Londres, we agreed to dine
there. After accepting a dainty cup of chocolate I departed,
purposely returning home by way of the Londres. Here, with a little
diplomacy, I managed to reserve for dinner the table I wanted, one
next to the Prince. Well pleased, I later dressed, armed myself with
a bouquet of La France roses, and called on my partner.
Pages:
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109