CHAPTER XXVII.
IN THE WEB "What I propose is that Catrina takes you for a drive, my dear baron, with her two ponies." The countess had taken very good care to refrain from making this proposal to Catrina alone.

She was one of those mothers who rule their daughters by springing surprises upon them in a carefully selected company where the daughter is not free to reply.
De Chauxville bowed with outspread hands.
"If it will not bore mademoiselle," he replied.
The countess looked at her daughter with an unctuous smile, as if to urge her on to make the most of this opportunity.

It was one of the countess's chief troubles that she could not by hook or crook involve Catrina in any sort of a love intrigue.

She was the sort of mother who would have preferred to hear scandal about her daughter to hearing nothing.
"If it will not freeze monsieur," replied Catrina, with uncompromising honesty.
De Chauxville laughed in his frank way.
"I am not afraid of coldness--of the atmosphere, mademoiselle," he replied.

"I am most anxious to see your beautiful country.