divined this from his manner; he had an idea that he could trust himself to convey such an intimation with clearness and yet with delicacy. But the most she appeared to apprehend was that he desired to be presented to her companion.
'You must know the most delightful of women. She also takes a particular interest in Mr. Robinson: of a different kind from mine—much more sentimental!' And then she explained to the old lady, who seemed absorbed in other ideas, that Mr. Vetch was a distinguished musician, a person whom she, who had known so many in her day, and was so fond of that kind of thing, would like to talk with. The Princess spoke of 'that kind of thing' quite as if she herself had given it up, though Madame Grandoni heard her by the hour together improvising on the piano revolutionary battle-songs and pæans.
'I think you are laughing at me,' Mr. Vetch said to the Princess, while Madame Grandoni twisted herself slowly round in her chair and considered him. She looked at him leisurely, up and down, and then she observed, with a sigh—
'Strange people—strange people!'
'It is indeed a strange world, madam,' the fiddler replied; after which he inquired of the Princess whether he might have a little conversation with her in private.
She looked about her, embarrassed and smiling. 'My dear sir, I have only this one room to receive in. We live in a very small way.'
'Yes, your excellency is laughing at me. Your ideas are very large, too. However, I would gladly come at any other time that might suit you.'
'You impute to me higher spirits than I possess. Why
