Involuntarily, although her first impression
(based upon other meetings with distinguished men) was one more of
apprehension than of pleasure, she swept him a deep curtsy. With
the grace of a courtier he extended a hand and led her to a chair.
"You know me, Madam?" he demanded, in a deep and bell-like voice.
"I know you, as well. I am delighted, I am honored, to announce
that I come to you as a messenger."
"It is an honor that you come in any capacity, Sir. To what may I
attribute so kind a visit, to one so unimportant?"
"No, no, my dear Countess. We rate you very high. It is the wish
of a certain gentleman to have you attend a little meeting which
will not welcome many out of all this city. It is informal and
unofficial, my dear lady, but all those who will be there will be
glad to have your attendance. It was thought well for me to drop
in to interrogate your pleasure in the matter."
"It is a command, Sir! Very well, at what time, then?"
"If it should please you, it would delight me to accompany you at
once, my dear lady! My carriage is waiting now.
Pages:
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406