"The wreath wants setting straight," she answered, not hearing him.

"What a pity she's lost her looks so," Countess Nordston said to Madame Lvova.

" Still he's not worth her little finger, is he?" "Oh, I like him so--not because he's my future _beau-frere_," answered Madame Lvova.

" And how well he's behaving! It's so difficult, too, to look well in such a position, not to be ridiculous.