Anna was seated, a few days later, with her dearest friend, the Princess of Thurm, in a corner of the royal enclosure at Ascot.

For the first time since their arrival they found themselves alone.

From underneath her parasol the Princess looked at her friend curiously.
"Anna," she said, "something has happened to you." "Perhaps, but explain yourself," Anna replied composedly.
"It is so simple.

There you sit in a Doucet gown, perfection as ever, from the aigrette in your hat to those delicately pointed shoes.

You have been positively hunted by all the nicest men--once or twice, indeed, I felt myself neglected--and not a smile have I seen upon your lips.