This is not poverty, and not even a good imitation of it, as she would like it to be. But what will be said of me if having remained with her through so much of her splendour, I turn away from her the moment she begins to want?'
'Dear lady, do you ask that to make me relent?' the Prince inquired, after an hesitation.
'Not in the least; for whatever is said and whatever you do, there is nothing for me in decency, at present, but to pack my trunk. Judge, by the way I have tattled.'
'If you will stay on, she shall have everything.' The Prince spoke in a very low tone, with a manner that betrayed the shame he felt at his attempt at bribery.
Madame Grandoni gave him an astonished glance and moved away from him. 'What does that mean? I thought you didn't care.'
I know not what explanation of his inconsequence her companion would have given her if at that moment the door of the room had not been pushed open to permit the entrance of Hyacinth Robinson. He stopped short on perceiving that Madame Grandoni had a visitor, but before he had time to say anything the old lady addressed him with a certain curtness. 'Ah, you don't fall well; the Princess isn't at home.'
'That was mentioned to me, but I ventured to come in to see you, as I have done before,' Hyacinth replied. Then he added, as if he were retreating, 'I beg many pardons. I was not told that you were not alone.'
'My visitor is going, but I am going too,' said Madame Grandoni. 'I must take myself to my room—I am all falling to pieces. Therefore kindly excuse me.'
Hyacinth had had time to recognise the Prince, and this
