They went away together, leaving the invalid with Taquisara and his own
servant. Veronica led them to her favourite room, then showed them their
own, and went back to wait for them, while Elettra brought the tea, just
as she had done of old in the Palazzo Macomer. Veronica watched her
while she was arranging the tea-table. Elettra, who rarely spoke
unbidden, ventured to make a remark.
"Their Excellencies will be surprised at being waited on by women," she
said; for though she hated all men-servants, she had pride for the great
old house her fathers had served.
"They will be surprised at so many things that they will not notice it,"
answered her mistress, thoughtfully.
Elettra glanced at her quickly, but said nothing and went away, leaving
her alone. She sat quite still, and did not move until the old couple
came back, ten minutes later. She moved chairs forward for them to sit
in, and poured out a cup of tea for each. Meanwhile they all three made
little idle observations about the weather and the place.
The Duchessa, holding her cup in her hand, looked at the door from time
to time, as though expecting some one to come in. At last she could
contain her curiosity no longer.
"And where is your companion, my dear?" she asked suddenly.
"In the imagination of society, Duchessa," answered Veronica. "I have
none. I live alone."
The Duchessa almost dropped her cup.
"Alone?" she cried, in amazement. "You live alone? In such a place as
this!" She could not believe her ears.
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