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Updated: May 6, 2025
During the meal my companion seemed brighter and less weary, more gracious and friendly, until I called the waiter and counted out the florins on his tray. Then she laid her hand quietly but firmly upon my arm. "'Please do not you distress me; my servant Polaff has paid for everything. "I looked up. The dark man was standing behind her chair, his hat in his hand.
'To think monsieur had not slept all night! When Polaff handed in the tray, she filled the cups herself, adding the sugar, and insisting that I should also drink part of her own, one cup was not enough. Upon Polaff's return she sent for her dressing-case. She must make her toilet at once, and not disturb me. It would be several hours before we reached Vienna; she felt sure I would sleep now.
"When we reached the station, and I halted at the small gate opening upon the train platform, she merely pressed my hand, covered her head with her veil, and entered the carriage followed by Polaff. I watched, hoping to see her face at the window, but she remained hidden.
"There was no change in her manner; the same frank, trustful look in her eyes, the same anxious concern about me. When dinner was announced she placed me beside her, Polaff standing behind her chair, and the other attendants serving. "The talk drifted again into my own life, she interrupting with pointed questions, and making me repeat again and again the stories I told her of our humble home.
When, at the next station, Polaff brought a basin of water, and I arose to leave the car, she begged me to remain, the toilet was nothing; it would be over in a minute. Then she loosened her hair, letting it fall in rich masses about her shoulders, and bathed her face and hands, rearranging her veil, and adding a fresh bit of lace to her throat.
"The man bowed gravely, looked at me furtively from the corner of his eye, and closed the curtains behind him. In a moment he returned, bearing a large, morocco-covered box, which he placed on the table. She pressed the spring, and the lid flew up, uncovering several velvet-lined trays filled with jewels that flashed under the lighted candles. "'You need not wait, Polaff. You can go to bed.
"When the hour arrived I sent my card to her apartment, and was ushered into a small room with a curtain-closed door opening out into a larger salon, through which I caught glimpses of a table spread with glass and silver. Polaff, rigid and perpendicular, received me with a stiff, formal recognition. I do not think he quite understood, nor altogether liked, his mistress's chance acquaintance.
"'I cannot. "'No; I must not ask you. You are right. It is better that you keep your word. "She continued walking, gazing still on the floor. Then she moved to the mantel, and touched a bell. Instantly the curtains of the door divided, and Polaff stood before her. "'Bring me my jewel-case.
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