Jean listened in silence when Clara told her briefly that
Lucy was not going.

"She is very shrewd," she said presently. "She means to
treat them de haut en bas from the outset. It is
capital policy."

Jean, when she entered the countess's salon, with
downcast eyes, draped in filmy lace without a jewel or
flower, was shy innocence in person. Furst Hugo stood
near the hostess, with two stout women in shabby gowns
and magnificent jewels.

"The frocks they made themselves, and the emeralds are
heirlooms," Jean muttered to Clara, without lifting her
timid eyes.

"Miss Dunbar is not coming?" exclaimed the prince.

"No," said Miss Vance.

"The Fraulein is ill?" demanded one of his sisters.

"No," Clara said, again smiling.
"WE expected to meet her," the younger princess said.
"It is most singular----"

"She has sent her apology to the countess," said Clara
gently, and passed on.