Yes; the Comte de Chauxville said he would come on my first
reception-day, and, of course, Paul and his wife must return my call.
They will come to-day. I am anxious to see her. They say she is
beautiful and dresses well."
Catrina's broad white teeth gleamed for a moment in the flickering
firelight, as she clenched them over her lower lip.
"And therefore Paul's happiness in life is assured," she said, in a hard
voice.
"Of course. What more could he want?" murmured the countess, in blissful
ignorance of any irony.
Catrina looked at her mother with a gleam of utter contempt in her eyes.
That is one of the privileges of a great love, whether it bring
happiness or misery--the contempt for all who have never known it.
While they remained thus the sound of sleigh-bells on the quiet English
Quay made itself heard through the double windows. There was a clang of
many tones, and the horses pulled up with a jerk. The color left
Catrina's face quite suddenly, as if wiped away, leaving her ghastly.
She was going to see Paul and his wife.
Presently the door opened, and Etta came into the room with the
indomitable assurance which characterized her movements and earned for
her a host of feminine enemies.
"Mme. la Comtesse," she said, with her most gracious smile, taking the
limp hand offered to her by the Countess Lanovitch.
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