Page:The Tattooed Countess (1924).pdf/225

 I won't be back for dinner. I wonder could you ask Anna to pack me a box of sandwiches or devilled eggs?

But we've driven everywhere. . . on all the roads. There's nothing you haven't seen, Lou protested.

It's some new place that he's showing me, the Countess went on lightly. I'm not sure exactly what it is. Anyway we're going to walk. It's quite different walking: you see so much more.

Lou's stiffness increased. Very well, she responded coldly. I'll tell Anna.

I hate to be the cause of so much trouble, the Countess continued smoothly. If you'd rather, I'll make the sandwiches.

The cook is baking today and it will make trouble, Lou replied, but I'm sure she would rather have Anna make the sandwiches than have some one else fussing in the kitchen. What kind do you want?

It doesn't really matter at all, the Countess cheerfully explained. Anything will do, but don't ask her to make very many: it's too hot to eat much.

Lou pushed the swinging baize door into the kitchen and followed it through, while Ella went up to her room singing. The Countess did not see her sister again that morning. It was Anna who brought the little hamper, neatly packed and covered with a napkin, to her room. When, precisely