no share, to give her a great deal either
of their time or thought. Sonya naturally wished to be with her husband
whenever it was possible, although she never for a moment neglected, or
failed to look after Bianca's health and happiness in every fashion she
could arrange. But what Bianca really needed was entertainment and
friendships near her own age and these under the present circumstances
of their life, Sonya was not able to provide.

So far as Bianca was concerned, Carlo Navara had really ceased to count
in any measure of importance. He so seldom made the effort to see Bianca
and appeared wholly absorbed by his soldier life and such entertainment
as he found outside. From his superior officer he had secured permission
to take singing lessons from an old music master in Coblenz, and was
finding an immense satisfaction and help in this.

But with the coming of the young Countess Charlotta to Coblenz, life
assumed a new and far more agreeable aspect for Bianca.

Charlotta had spoken with the wisdom of a knowledge of human nature in
announcing that neither her father nor aunt would desire her return to
Luxemburg once they learned of her act of rebellion.

Immediately after her unexpected arrival, Sonya Clark had written to the
Count Scherin advising him of Charlotta's action, saying that she was
entirely well and carefully chaperoned by Miss Pringle. But Sonya also
inquired what the Count Scherin's wishes might be concerning his
daughter.

In reply she had received a tart letter from the Count stating that in
future Charlotta might do what she liked, as it was apparent that she
had no idea of doing anything else. In a comparatively short time she
would reach the age of twenty-one and would then inherit an estate from
her mother, but until then Count Scherin would arrange that Charlotta
should receive a modest sum of money each month sufficient for her own
expenses and that of her governess. It was true that the elderly man
also added that he would be grateful to Mrs. Clark if she consent to
become his daughter's friend, although from his own experience he could
promise but little appreciation from Charlotta in return.

Upon receipt of this letter Sonya had showed it to the young girl and
Charlotta had made no comment. A day or so later, she suggested that
she and Miss Pringle remain for a time in Coblenz boarding as near as
possible to the American Red Cross if this were in accord with Mrs.
Clark's judgment. And