The young lady is naturally overcome by the bad news, and would rather be alone with me for a little while, I daresay.' Signor Calvi rose, made a profound obeisance to the Princess, scarcely bent his head to Angela, and retired, apparently bowing to the family chairs as he passed each.

The young girl dropped her hand and looked after him with a sort of dull curiosity; she was the last person in the world to take offence or to suppose that any one meant to be rude to her, but it was impossible not to notice the lawyer's behaviour.

In his opinion she was suddenly nobody, and deserved no more notice than a shop-girl.

She understood enough of human nature to be sure that he counted on the Princess's approval.
The elder woman was watching her with a satisfaction she hardly tried to conceal.

Her small hands were encased in marvellously fitting black gloves, though black gloves rarely fit so well as others, and were crossed on her knee over the little leather bag she always carried.
She was leaning back in the great arm-chair, and the mourning she wore made her faultless complexion look even more brilliant than it was.