"
"Let me conduct you into the next room--or shall I take you to the
princess? Perhaps it would be better for you to go home."
Nina smiled. "No," she said, "I am all right. The room is very warm,
I think."
The Contessa Potensi, walking for once with her husband, passed through
the adjoining room just as Nina had finally succeeded in focusing her
attention upon Allegro's sprightly chatter. As they passed, the contessa
stopped a moment to say to Nina, "I am so glad to see that you have
recovered from your sudden indisposition of this afternoon." But her
tone was neither solicitous nor sincere, and she hid her hands in such a
way that she might have been making with her fingers the little horns
that are supposed to be a protection against the evil eye.
"I am much better, thank you," Nina answered simply.
"Don't let me keep you standing. I merely wanted to be assured that you
are recovered. I would not interrupt a _tete-a-tete_!"
The contessa's manner suggested to Nina that it was perhaps questionable
taste for a young girl to sit out part of a dance. Instead, therefore, of
resuming her place on the sofa, she asked Allegro to take her to the
princess.
During the rest of the evening she had an uncomfortable conviction that
the Contessa Potensi was talking about her. She always had this impression
in some degree whenever the contessa was present, but to-night it was
strong and unmistakable.
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