Antonia

t, but Madam Thierry was still in the studio. Surprised, she came forward ; and, when she saw this beautiful lady, whom she knew very well by sight, but to whom she had never yet spoken, she threw the window wide open. " Pardon me, madam," said the countess, " for introducing myself to you in such an informal way; I am still in half-mourning, as you see; I am not yet making visits, and, with your permission, I have something to say to you. Can you, without ceremony, grant me a moment's interview ? " " Certainly, madam, and with a great deal of pleasure," replied Madam Thierry, with cheerful dignity and ease ; not at all in the manner of a petty bourgeoise, dazzled by the advances of a great lady. The countess was struck by the refinement of her face, the good taste of her dress, her sweet voice, and the sort of perfume of elegance that seemed to exhale from her whole person. " You must sit down," she said; " I do not want to keep you standing." " But you, madam ? " said the widow, smiling. " Ah ! An idea occurs to me. If you will allow me, I will hand you a chair." " Oh, no, do not take so much trouble." " It is no trouble at all! Here is a light cane-chair, and, both of us together?" Both together, indeed, they passed the cane-chair over the window-sill, the one lifting it, the other receiving it, and both smiling at this familiar operation, which seemed to place them at once upon a footing of intimacy. " This is what I wanted to say...