Zara was absorbed in silent prayer throughout the Mass; but at its conclusion, when we came out of the cathedral, she was unusually gay and elate.

She conversed vivaciously with me concerning the social merits and accomplishments of the people we were going to visit; while the brisk walk through the frosty air brightened her eyes and cheeks into warmer lustre, so that on our arrival at the Grand Hotel she looked to my fancy even lovelier than usual.
Mrs.Everard did not keep us waiting long in the private salon to which we were shown.

She fluttered down, arrayed in a wonderful "art" gown of terra-cotta and pale blue hues cunningly intermixed, and proceeded to hug me with demonstrative fervour.

Then she held me a little distance off, and examined me attentively.
"Do you know," she said, "you are simply in lovely condition! I never would have believed it.

You are actually as plump and pink as a peach.
And you are the same creature that wailed and trembled, and had palpitations and headaches and stupors! Your doctor must be a perfect magician.