Hyacinth inquired what she might be sorry for, but she took no notice of his question, and presently remarked, 'Perhaps she goes to see him.'
'Goes to see whom?'
'The chemist's assistant—the brother.' She said this very seriously.
'Perhaps she does,' Hyacinth rejoined, laughing. 'But she is a fine sort of woman.'
The Princess repeated that she was sorry, and he again asked her for what—for Lady Aurora's being of that sort? To which she replied, 'No; I mean for my not being the first—what is it you call them?—noble lady that you have encountered.'
'I don't see what difference that makes. You needn't be afraid you don't make an impression on me.'
'I was not thinking of that. I was thinking that you might be less fresh than I thought.'
'Of course I don't know what you thought,' said Hyacinth, smiling.
'No; how should you?'
