Page:In a winter city, by Ouida.djvu/184

Rh Draw it for me, Della Rocca, and I will send the sketch to Paris, so that it can all come in a box together, magpie and all."

He drew a sheet of paper to him, and sketched the figure in ink, with spirit.

"You have all the talents—so many thanks," said Madame Mila, looking over his shoulder.

Della Rocca sighed.

"If I have them I have buried them, Madame—but, indeed, I can make no such claim."

"So many thanks," echoed the Comtesse. "Pray, don't say a word about it, or we shall have a dozen 'Advanced Thoughts' in calico. Hilda, I am just going to Nina's to see about the Muscadins. I have resolved we shall play that piece or no other. I shall be back in ten minutes, ask Olga to wait;" and Madame Mila wafted herself out of the room, and downstairs to the courtyard, where the coupé and the exemplary Maurice were waiting.

"How she does amuse herself!" said Lady Hilda, a little enviously. "I wish I could do it. What can it matter whether they play the Muscadins or anything else!"

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