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"I rely on you, my dear," said Anna Pavlovna, also in a low tone.

"Write to her and let me know how her father looks at the matter.

Au revoir! "-and she left the hall.

Prince Hippolyte approached the little princess and, bending his

face close to her, began to whisper something.

Two footmen, the princess' and his own, stood holding a shawl and

a cloak, waiting for the conversation to finish. They listened to

the French sentences which to them were meaningless, with an air

of understanding but not wishing to appear to do so. The princess

as usual spoke smilingly and listened with a laugh.

"I am very glad I did not go to the ambassador's," said Prince

Hippolyte "-so dull-. It has been a delightful evening, has it

not? Delightful!"

"They say the ball will be very good," replied the princess,

drawing up her downy little lip. "All the pretty women in society

will be there."