"
"Indeed; and why so?" she asked. Her tone was the ordinary tone of
society, from which it was impossible to draw any inference.
"Because it is so long since I heard from you."
"I have grown tired of writing letters that were rarely honoured by
your notice."
"So, so," thought the baronet; "I was right. She is offended."
"To what do I owe this visit?" asked Madame Durski.
"She is desperately angry," thought the baronet. "My dear Paulina," he
said, aloud, "can you imagine that your letters were indifferent to me?
I have been busy, and, as you know, I have been away from London."
"Yes," she said; "you spent your Christmas very agreeably, I believe."
"Not at all, I assure you. A bachelors' party in a country parsonage is
one of the dullest things possible, to say nothing of the tragical
event which ended my visit," added Reginald, his cheek paling as he
spoke.
"A bachelors' party!" repeated Paulina; "there were no ladies, then, at
your cousin's house?"
"None."
"Indeed!"
Paulina Durski's lip curled contemptuously, but she did not openly
convict Sir Reginald of the deliberate falsehood he had uttered.
"I am very glad you have come to me," she said, presently, "because I
have urgent need of your help."
"My dear Paulina, believe me--" began the baronet
"Do not make your protest till you have heard what I have to ask," said
Madame Durski.
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