maid. "And how is
your ladyship? We have been feeling so anxious about you!"

"Yes, I know, you simple soul--But who are those other guests?" the old
lady continued, turning again to Polina. "For instance, who is that old
rascal in the spectacles?"

"Prince Nilski, Grandmamma," whispered Polina.

"Oh, a Russian? Why, I had no idea that he could understand me! Surely
he did not hear what I said? As for Mr. Astley, I have seen him
already, and I see that he is here again. How do you do?" she added to
the gentleman in question.

Mr. Astley bowed in silence

"Have you NOTHING to say to me?" the old lady went on. "Say something,
for goodness' sake! Translate to him, Polina."

Polina did so.

"I have only to say," replied Mr. Astley gravely, but also with
alacrity, "that I am indeed glad to see you in such good health." This
was interpreted to the Grandmother, and she seemed much gratified.

"How well English people know how to answer one!" she remarked. "That
is why I like them so much better than French. Come here," she added to
Mr. Astley. "I will try not to bore you too much. Polina, translate to
him that I am staying in rooms on a lower floor. Yes, on a lower
floor," she repeated to Astley, pointing downwards with her finger.

Astley looked pleased at receiving the invitation.

Next, the old lady scanned Polina, from head to foot with minute
attention.

"I could almost have liked you, Prascovia," suddenly she remarked, "for
you are a nice girl--the best of the lot. You have some character about
you. I too have character. Turn round. Surely that is not false hair
that you are wearing?"

"No, Grandmamma. It is my own."

"Well, well. I do not like the stupid fashions of today. You are very
good looking. I should have fallen in love with you if I had been a
man. Why do you not get married? It is time now that I was going. I
want to walk, yet I always have to ride. Are you still in a bad
temper?" she added to the General.

"No, indeed," rejoined the now mollified General.

"I quite understand that at your time of life--"

"Cette vieille est tombee en enfance," De Griers whispered to me.

"But I want to look round a little," the old lady added to the General.
Will you lend me Alexis Ivanovitch for the purpose?

"As much as you like. But I myself--yes, and Polina and Monsieur de
Griers too--we all of us hope to have the pleasure of escorting you."

"Mais, madame, cela sera un plaisir," De Griers commente