"Yes--fortunately she likes us.

And if I wasn't afraid of spoiling it for you," Maggie added, "I'd even mention that you're not the one of our number she likes least." "Why should that spoil it for me ?" "Oh, my dear, you know.

What else have we been talking about?
It costs you so much to be liked.

That's why I hesitated to tell you of my letter." He stared a moment--as if the subject had suddenly grown out of recognition.

"But Charlotte--on other visits--never used to cost me anything." "No--only her 'keep,'" Maggie smiled.
"Then I don't think I mind her keep--if that's all." The Princess, however, it was clear, wished to be thoroughly conscientious.