It is strange how
sensitive women are to public applause for their nearest mankind. My
aunt fairly beamed at me through her spectacles, and was incomparable
when she now and then, interrupting the reading, glanced keenly at
Aniela, and then said in her most dogmatic tone:--
"They do not exaggerate the least bit. He was always like that."
Praise heaven there was not another sceptic mind present, otherwise I
should have looked foolish indeed.
It was time for the ladies to dress. Before leaving the room my aunt
turned to me and said with the most innocent expression of face:--
"We must be quick, for I promised to call for Panna Zawilowski; she
was going with her father, but as he is suffering from an attack of
gout I shall have to chaperon her."
With this she went to her room. We looked at each other, Aniela and I;
the corners of her mouth twitched with merriment. "Aniela, it is a new
matrimonial scheme, what shall I do?" She put a finger to her lips
in warning that I spoke too loud, and disappeared within her room;
presently the lovely head peeped out through the half-open door.
"I just remembered you have not asked Miss Hilst," she said.
"No, I have not asked her."
"Why?"
"Because I love her on the sly," I retorted, laughing.
"Seriously, why did you not invite her?"
"If you wish I will invite her now.
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