“Because we have not the brains,” someone replied with a little laugh.
“Personally, I think it is an affectation,” another remarked a little acidly.
“Only because it is a new idea and you did not think of it,” the first speaker retorted, and there was laughter at that.
After some time the Marquis drew Paolina a little aside to show her a snuffbox that had been sent to him from England. It was a beautiful little piece of inset enamel and, when Paolina had admired it and heard its history, she looked up to find the Marquis’s eyes fixed upon her.
“Will you come with me tonight to the theatre?” he asked. “I have arranged a theatre party that I feel both you and Sir Harvey would find amusing.”
“You must ask my brother,” Paolina replied. “As far as I am concerned it sounds delightful.”
“Yo
