The countess was inwardly much amused at Wilhelm's timorous hesitation in crossing her threshold.

She relieved him of his hat and gave it to Anne, who hung it on a nail with the utmost gravity, but could not refrain from casting a curious glance at Wilhelm from time to time.
When the tea was on the table, and Anne had discreetly retired into the bedroom, closing the door behind her, the countess began: "As we are to become friends--no, we are friends already; tell me, you are my friend, are you not ?"--she held out her hand, which he pressed warmly and retained in his--"you ought to know who I am and how I live.

I will tell you the whole truth--I never lie, it is so vulgar and cowardly.
The worst that can be said of me, you shall hear out of my own mouth.
And still I hope that, after you have heard all, you will not feel less kindly disposed toward me than before." She moistened her blood-red lips in the tea without leaving hold of his hand.
"I am married.

My husband, Count Pozaldez, is Governor of the Philippine Islands.

I have lived for years in Paris.