The Princess liked to entertain her guests in a fashion of her own.

The long apartment, with its many recesses and deep windows, an apartment which took up the whole of one side of the large house, had all the dignity and even splendour of a drawing-room, and yet, with its little palm court, its cosy divans, its bridge tables and roulette board, encouraged an air of freedom which made it eminently habitable.
"I wonder, Baron," she asked, "what time you are leaving, and whether I could rely upon your escort to the Lawsons' dance?
Don't hesitate to say if you have an engagement, as it only means my telephoning to some friends." "I am entirely at your service, Countess," he answered promptly.

"As a matter of fact, I have already promised to appear there myself for an hour." "You would like to play bridge now, perhaps ?" she asked.
"The Princess was kind enough to invite me," he replied, "but I ventured to excuse myself.

I saw that the numbers were even without me, and I hoped for a little more conversation with you." They seated themselves in an exceedingly comfortable corner.

A footman brought them coffee, and a butler offered strange liqueurs.