The dignity with which the child performed her duties was enchanting.

She understood perfectly how to entertain her mother's guests, how to spice her conversation with piquant anecdotes, how to mimic the manner of affected personages.

She was, in a word, a prodigy! Countess Themire, knowing she might safely trust her little daughter to perform the duties of hostess, followed De Fervlans to the conservatory.
"We have been outwitted," he began at once.

"They vanished twelve hours before we learned that they had flown." The countess shrugged her shoulders and tossed her head.
"Why do you think it necessary to tell me this ?" she inquired, with a touch of asperity.

"Have you not got enough police to arrest the fugitives, who must pass through the entire country in their flight ?" "Yes, we have quite enough spies, and they are very skilful; but the fugitives are a trifle more skilful.