The allusion of the Queen of Blondes had stung her in the unacknowledged regions where women discard themselves and are most sensitive.
'Decide on coming soon to Lady de Culme,' said Mrs.Lawrence.

'Now that her arms are open to you, she would like to have you in them.

She is old--.

You won't be rigorous?
no standing on small punctilios?
She would call, but she does not--h'm, it is M.le Comte that she does not choose to--h'm.

But her arms are open to the countess.