t to have permitted you to be presented to
me. My sister is shocked at the impropriety, and as for Lord and Lady
Culduff, rather than meet you at dinner on Friday they have left Rome."

"Left Rome?"

"Yes, gone to Naples. To be sure, he ought to have been there a month
ago; he was accredited to that Court, and he had nothing to do here,
which was, however to _him_ an excellent reason for being here. Why do
you make me talk so much? it sets my head splitting, and I sent for you
to listen to you, and not to have any worry of talking myself--there,
begin."

"What shall I talk about?"

"Anything you like, only not politics, or religion, or literature, or
fine arts--people are so unnatural when they discuss these; nor--not
society and gossip, for then they grow spiteful and ill-natured; nor
about myself, for then you 'd fancy you were in love with me, and I 'd
have to shut the door against you. Oh, how my head aches! Give me that
flacon, pray; thanks, now go back to your place."

"Shall I read to you?"

"No: there's nothing I detest so much as being read to. One never
follows the book; it is the tone and accent of the reader, something in
his voice, something one fancies an affectation attracts attention, and
you remark how his hair is parted, or how his boots are made. Oh, why
_will_ you torment me this way--I don't want to talk and you persist in
asking me questions."

"If you had not a headache I'd sing for you."

"No, I 'll not let you sing to me alone; that would be quite wrong.
Remember, monsieur, and when I say remember, I mean never forget, I am
excessively prude; not of that school of prudery that repels, but
of that higher tone which declares a freedom impossible. Do you
comprehend?"

"Perfectly, madame," said he, bowing with an air of an ideal reverence.

"Now, then, that we have settled the preliminaries of our--oh, dear!"
burst she out, "see what it is to be speaking French! I had almost said
of 'our friendship.'"

"And why not, madame? Can you possibly entertain a doubt of that
sentiment, at once devoted and respectful, which has brought me to your
feet?"

"I never do doubt about anything that I want to believe; at least
till I change my mind on it, for I am--yes, I am very capricious. I am
charmed with you to-day; but do not be surprised if my servant shuts the
door against you to-morrow."

"Madame, you drive me to the brink of despair."

"I 'm sure of that," said she, laughing. "I have driv