" What do you see in her out of the way? A companion, she must be.

If you like, I'll make acquaintance with Madame Stahl; I used to know her _belle-soeur_," added the princess, lifting her head haughtily.

Kitty knew that the princess was offended that Madame Stahl had seemed to avoid making her acquaintance.

Kitty did not insist.

"How wonderfully sweet she is!" she said, gazing at Varenka just as she handed a glass to the Frenchwoman.