Next instant the aged diplomat was bending over her outstretched hand, which in courtly fashion the old man raised to his lips.
"I am delighted to have the privilege of welcoming you to this gloomy old city, Princess von Steinheimer, which you illumine with your presence.

Do you stay long in London ?" "The period of illumination is short, your Excellency.

I leave for Paris to-morrow." "So soon?
Without even visiting the Embassy?
I am distressed to hear of so speedy a desertion, and yet, knowing the charms of the Schloss Steinheimer, I can hardly wonder at your wish to return there.

The Prince, I suppose, is as devoted as ever to the chase.

I must censure his Highness, next time we meet, for not coming with you to London; then I am sure you would have stayed longer with us." "The Prince is a model husband, your Excellency," said Jennie, with a sly glance at Lord Donal, whose expression of uncertainty increased as this colloquy went on, "and he would have come to London without a murmur had his wife been selfish enough to tear him away from his beloved Meran." "A model husband!" said the ancient count, with an unctuous chuckle.
"So few of us excel in that respect; but there is this to be said in our exculpation, few have been matrimonially so fortunate as the Prince von Steinheimer.