If he could obtain enough money from the Comte he would not have to sell the two pictures they had talked about.
Aloud she said,
“I think, monsieur, we have been rather remiss in not offering your visitor some refreshment.”
“Of course,” the Marquis agreed, “how inhospitable of me. I am sure, Lendir, you would like a glass of white wine.”
“I would appreciate it very much,” the Comte replied.
The Marquis rose to his feet and walked to the door.
“I will find out what we have,” he said, “but our supplies of wine are, at the moment, rather limited.”
He left the room.
Even as the door shut behind him, the Comte bent towards Marietta.
“You are very beautiful,” he told her, “and your French is perfect. I have heard that you were the magical fairy who found the treasures which had been hid
