They were ceremonious and polite until they had a moment to retire from before people, when the countess changed her cold disdain to a cordial and familiar address.
"And now, my dear Morven," she exclaimed, as soon as they were unobserved--"and now, my dear Morven, that we are not seen, tell me, what have you been doing with yourself ?" "Why, I have been in some trouble.

I never had gold that would stay by me.

You know my hand was always open." "The old complaint again." "No; but having come to the end of my store, I began to grow serious." "Ah, Morven!' said the countess, reproachfully.
"Well, never mind; when my purse is low my spirits sink, as the mercury does with the cold.

You used to say my spirits were mercurial--I think they were." "Well, what did you do ?" "Oh, nothing." "Was that what you were about to tell me ?" inquired the countess.
"Oh, dear, no.

You recollect the Italian quack of whom I bought the drug you gave to the count, and which put an end to his days--he wanted more money.