The countess folded her arms in her shawl, lay back pensively on her
cushions, ruffling the feathers of her pretty bonnet, and looked at
the people who passed her. That flash of a great and hitherto resigned
soul reached her sensibilities. What was Adam's merit in her eyes? It
was natural enough to have courage and generosity. But Thaddeus--
surely Thaddeus possessed, or seemed to possess, some great
superiority over Adam. They were dangerous thoughts which took
possession of the countess's mind as she again noticed the contrast of
the fine presence that distinguished Thaddeus, and the puny frame in
which Adam showed the degenerating effects of intermarriage among the
Polish aristocratic families. The devil alone knew the thoughts that
were in Clementine's head, for she sat still, with thoughtful, dreamy
eyes, and without saying a word until they reached home.
"You will dine with us; I shall be angry if you disobey me," she said
as the carriage turned in. "You are Thaddeus to me, as you are to
Adam. I know your obligations to him, but I also know those we are
under to you. Both generosities are natural--but you are generous
every day and all day. My father dines here to-day, also my uncle
Ronquerolles and my aunt Madame de Serizy. Dress yourself therefore,"
she said, taking the hand he offered to assist her from the carriage.
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