"
"You are very kind," Sabina answered, with the faintest air of
surprise, "but I really do not see that you could do anything."
"Perhaps your mother would allow you to spend a few days with me--
until things are more settled," suggested the Baroness.
"Thank you very much. I do not think she would like that. She would
not wish me to be away from her just now, I am sure. Why should I
leave her?"
The Baroness Volterra did not like to point out that the Princess
Conti might soon be literally homeless.
"May I ask your mother?" she enquired. "Should you like to come to me
for a few days?"
"If my mother wishes it."
"But should you like to come?" persisted the elder woman.
"If my mother thinks it is best," answered Sabina, avoiding the
Baroness's eyes, as she resolutely avoided answering the direct
question.
But the Baroness was determined if possible to take in one of the
family, and it had occurred to her that Sabina would really be less
trouble than her mother or elder sister. Clementina was the eldest and
was already looked upon as an old maid. She was intensely devout, and
that was always troublesome, for it meant that she would insist upon
going to church at impossibly early hours, and must have fish-dinners
on Fridays. But it would certainly be conferring a favour on the
Princess to take Sabina off her hands at such a time.
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