If it were art that had achieved it, nature still took the
credit; it was so finely done, the spectator could only lend himself and
admire. Under the pretty hat of gray tulle, whereof the strings were
tied bonnet-fashion under the plump chin, there looked out, indeed, a
face gay, happy, unconcerned, proof one might have thought of an
innocent past and a good conscience.
Kitty, who had drawn back a little, eyed her mother oddly.
"I thought you were in Paris. Your letter said you wouldn't be able to
move for weeks--"
"
Ma chere!--
un miracle!" cried Madame d'Estrees, blushing, however,
under her thin white veil. "When I wrote to you, I was at death's
door--wasn't I?" She appealed to her companion, without waiting for an
answer. "Then some one told me of a new doctor, and in ten days,
me
voici! They insisted on my going away--this dear woman--Donna Laura
Vercelli--my daughter, Lady Kitty Ashe!--knew of an apartment here
belonging to some relations of hers. And here we are--charmingly
installees!--and really
nothing to pay!"--Madame d'Estrees
whispered, smiling, in Kitty's ear--"nothing, compared to the hotels.
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