So I cudgelled my brain for some other
subject to talk up with her. Of course, I failed to find it instantly,
and, in the momentary silence, Lotzen's opportunity came.
"Armand," he said, leaning a bit forward, "Lady Helen and I have been
discussing the woman in black, yonder--the pretty one. We take her to
be an American--what is your opinion?"
The whole table heard the question, and every one looked at the
lady--either immediately or when they could do it with proper
discretion.
"You mean the woman with the elderly couple, just near us?" I asked,
glancing thither, and so on around to the Princess, who met me with a
smile.
"The same," said Lotzen.
"You're quite right," said I; "she is an American."
"You know her?" he asked.
"I used to know her."
He hesitated a moment--and, of course, everyone waited. "Couldn't you
still know her enough to present me?" he asked.
I shook my head. "You would be most unfortunate in your sponsor," I
answered.
He smiled indulgently. "I'll risk it," he said.
"But, maybe, I won't," I answered.
His smile broadened. "Come, come, cousin mine," he said; "don't be
selfish with the lady."
I smiled blandly back at him, though my hand itched to strike him in
the face.
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