"But for what purpose is it your idea that they should again so intimately meet ?" "For any purpose they like.

That's THEIR affair." Fanny Assingham sharply laughed, then irrepressibly fell back to her constant position.

"You're splendid--perfectly splendid." To which, as the Princess, shaking an impatient head, wouldn't have it again at all, she subjoined: "Or if you're not it's because you're so sure.

I mean sure of HIM." "Ah, I'm exactly NOT sure of him.

If I were sure of him I shouldn't doubt--!" But Maggie cast about her.
"Doubt what ?" Fanny pressed as she waited.
"Well, that he must feel how much less than she he pays--and how that ought to keep her present to him." This, in its turn, after an instant, Mrs.Assingham could meet with a smile.