I had the roses sent up and waited. The Countess sent word that she
would be down shortly. I smoked three cigarettes. Still no Countess.
I have yet to meet a woman who could or would be punctual. Finally I
heard the soft swish and frou-frou of silk garments and looking up saw
her ladyship coming down the grand stairway. She was brilliantly
robed, jewels flashed at her neck and wrists. She was of that type of
beauty difficult to classify, although assured of approval in any
quarter of the world.
"Tired of waiting, mon ami?" tapping me playfully on the arm. "See,
in return for your patience I am wearing your roses."
She had them pinned on her corsage. We entered our carriage and drove
to the Hotel de Londres, discussing the parts we were going to play.
Would the Russian Bear be caught? I wondered. When we arrived, I saw
that the hotel was pretty well filled. Everybody who was anybody
seemed to be there. I noticed a number of prominent American society
ladies. Experience has taught me that there are three places where
you meet sooner or later every known person in the world,--Piccadilly
Circus, the terrace of Shephard's Hotel, Cairo, and Monte Carlo.
Remembering our diplomatic conversation of the afternoon, the ma?®tre
d'h??tel came rushing forward and with profound bows directed us to
our table, which was tastefully decorated with La France roses, the
Countess' favorites (charged to expenses).
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