All who talked to her, and at each word saw her bright smile and the constant gleam of her white teeth, thought that they were in a specially amiable mood that day.

The little princess went round the table with quick, short, swaying steps, her workbag on her arm, and gaily spreading out her dress sat down on a sofa near the silver samovar, as if all she was doing was a pleasure to herself and to all around her.

" I have brought my work," said she in French, displaying her bag and addressing all present.

" Mind, Annette, I hope you have not played a wicked trick on me," she added, turning to her hostess.

" You wrote that it was to be quite a small reception, and just see how badly I am dressed.