The manager of the hotel himself came to greet her,
carrying a card in his hand, and with a bow, asking her attention.
"Well, then," began the young woman, in perfect English, glancing
at the card. Her dark eyes rose to meet his. "It is impossible,"
she said. "You know my wishes very well."
"But, my dear Countess, have you noted this name?" began the
manager.
"Of course, I know it. All the more reason there should be
mistake."
"But I assure you, my dear Countess--"
A step sounded near by, and the curtains swung back, disclosing the
entrance to one of the adjoining parlors of the hotel. The figure
of a well-built and hale gentleman, past middle age, of dignified
carriage and pleasant features, was revealed. Half hesitating, he
advanced.
"My dear lady," he began, in a deep and melodious voice, "I come to
you doubly handicapped, both as intruder and eavesdropper. I could
not avoid hearing what you have said, and as listeners hear no good
of themselves, I venture to interrupt.
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