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208 that the countess had made an undue impression upon him, which did not escape his mother's notice.

"She is not more than thirty," he said; "but whatever she may be, surely there is no harm in taking an interest in her."

"Not at all. One may take an interest in a baboon, or in the Irish secretary; but these Russian princesses, these Polish countesses, these Jewesses, who marry old lords and play at politics, regal or democratic, are women to be wary of; you are in their trap before you know where you are."

"Yes, mother, I quite understand. I was only seeking information, not warnings."

"Very well, my dear, you have got both, and I hope they will do you good. You know how I love you; there is no one in the world who can give such good advice and information as mine; and in the matter of information, my dear Philip, you will be glad to hear that you are to take me with you this evening to dine at Westbury Lodge."

"Delighted," said Philip.

"Mrs. Milbanke confided to me that there had been just the suspicion of a little misunderstanding; and when I tell you that I saw the shadow of the Countess Stravensky in the affair, you will not be surprised at my venturing to warn you."

"Has Mrs. Milbanke been talking me over, then?"

"Not at all: what she said sprang out of a remark of mine, and her reply was quite natural and spontaneous."

"But it was rather in censure of me, was it not?"

"No, it cannot be put in that manner. She hinted at lovers' quarrels."

"Nonsense," said Philip; "we have had no quarrel."

"The countess had detained you, and she was alone with you at the studio?"

"Of course she was."