Skeletons at the feast? Oh, yes, grewsome ones, too.
Just as well, an all-wise Providence has ordained our inability to see
behind the veil. I knew that the woman opposite me could no more
afford to lift her veil than I could mine.
Then one of the gentlemen from the Prince's table came up and
addressed me. First, however, he handed me a card, which I saw bore
the name of Prince Kassimir Vladimir Galitzin.
"Monsieur," said the Prince's companion, "I'm deputed by the Prince to
convey his regrets, should he have caused Madame or you any annoyance.
The Prince begs permission to make his apology to Madame in person."
I replied in words to the effect that Madame being a free agent and
only an acquaintance of mine, must decide this for herself.
"Personally," I added, "I have no objection."
The Countess simply nodded. The Prince's envoy bowed and went away.
He returned in a few minutes with the Prince. Mutual introductions,
general chatting, the Prince confining himself exclusively to the
Countess. About half an hour's talk, refreshments, and there came an
arrangement for luncheon the next day at which the Countess and myself
were invited to be the guests of the Prince.
The luncheon was duly gives at the Hotel Londres and the Prince was a
princely host. Having been invited, I had to attend. There was a
theater party that evening however, to which I was not invited, and
supper after, to which I was not invited.
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