She would never get away from it; she could never shake off its memory.
"Am I to live alone ?" asked Etta, suddenly finding her voice.
"That is as you like," answered Paul, perhaps purposely misunderstanding her.

"You are at liberty to have any friend or companion you wish.
Perhaps--your cousin." "Maggie ?" "Yes," answered Paul.

For the first time since he had entered the room his eyes were averted from Etta's face.
"She would not live with me," said the princess curtly.
Paul seemed to be reflecting.

When he next spoke it was in a kinder voice.
"You need not tell the circumstances which have given rise to this arrangement." Etta shrugged her shoulders.
"That," went on Paul, "rests entirely with yourself.

You may be sure that I will tell no one.