Her mother would most likely
have refused the permission, and she would have been obliged to accept
the Volterras' hospitality after all, but she would have had the
satisfaction of having made an effort to keep her freedom before
entering into what she soon looked upon as slavery.
Her mother would have considered this another evidence of the folly
inherent in all the Conti family. Sabina lived in a luxurious house,
she was treated with consideration, she saw her friends, and desirable
young men saw her. What more could she wish?
All this was true. The Baroness was at great pains to make much of
her, and the Baron's manner to her was at once flattering, respectful
and paternal. During the first few days she had discovered that if she
accidentally expressed the smallest wish it was instantly fulfilled,
and this was so embarrassing that she had since taken endless pains
never to express any wish at all. Moreover not the slightest allusion
to the misfortunes of her family was ever made before her, and if she
was in total ignorance of the state of affairs, she was at least
spared the humiliation of hearing that the palace was for sale, and
might be sold any day, to any one who would pay the price asked.
From time to time the Baroness said she hoped that Sabina had good
news of her mother, but showed no curiosity in the matter, and the
girl always answered that she believed her mother to be quite well.
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