"Delighted to see you," said Princess Shtcherbatskaya.

" On Thursdays we are home, as always.

" "Today, then?" "We shall be pleased to see you," the princess said stiffly.

This stiffness hurt Kitty, and she could not resist the desire to smooth over her mother's coldness.

She turned her head, and with a smile said: "Good-bye till this evening.