calamity if it did not amount to a social fall. She alone knew how
hard she had worked to build up her position, and she guessed how
easily an accident might destroy it. Her husband had his politics and
his finance to interest him, but what would be left to his wife if she
once lost her hold upon the aristocracy? Even the smile of royalty
would not make up for that, and royalty would certainly not smile if
Sabina, being in her charge, did anything very startlingly
unconventional.

Sabina was quite conscious that the Baroness did not understand;
indeed, she had not really expected to be understood, and when she saw
the shrug of the shoulders that answered her last speech she rose
quietly and went to the window. The blinds were drawn together, for it
was now late in May, but she could see down to the street, and as she
looked she started a little.

"There is Signor Malipieri!" she cried, and it was clear that she was
glad.

The Baroness uttered an exclamation of surprise.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

Yes, Sabina was quite sure. He had just driven up to the door in a
cab. Now he was paying the cabman, too, instead of making him wait.
The Baroness glanced at the showy little clock set in turquoises,
which stood on her writing-table, and she put away her unfinished
letter.

"We will ask him to stay to luncheon," she said, in a decided tone.