"Oh, if you want to so much, I'll find out about her first and make her acquaintance myself," answered her mother.

" 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.