Lennie assented with a sigh. As they walked down the side aisle to the royal box all eyes were focused on them. Strolling between acts at the opera house in Maple Valley was not customary. When Lennie parted the curtains at the back of the box and the Countess, turning, recognized her, extending a cordial hand, excitement ran high.
Why haven't you been to see me? the Countess demanded.
Miss Colman blushed, as she stammered, I wasn't sure . . . I don't know . . . I've been occupied.
The Countess shook her finger at the school-teacher.
O, yes, you know. You were sure that I wanted to see you. . . . Well, come now; it isn't too late.
Lennie pushed the business in hand ahead of her confusion. I've brought some one tonight, one of my pupils who wanted to meet you, she said. May I . . . ?
Certainly. Bring him in. The Countess's use of the masculine pronoun was instinctive or clairvoyant.
Miss Colman again parted the curtains and, as Gareth appeared, she introduced him. There was a second's pause: the Countess weighed him, realized his charm, his attractive youth. Then Gareth spoke:
I want so much, he said, to hear you talk about your life in Europe. . . .
