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Page 38
"Now we shall all pack in and get to Rome before dawn," the
princess said. "Sasha assures me the automobile will be faster
than the train."
So it was arranged, and, with Stella between them, the two
Russians sat in the commodious back seat, and this time Count
Roumovski allowed himself to encircle his beloved with his arm--
and very often surreptitiously kissed her little ear and that
delicious little curl of hair in her neck. She had taken off her
hat, that its brim might not hit the princess, and had only the
soft veil wound round her head, which loosened itself
conveniently. This drive back to Rome was a time of pure
enchantment to them both. And when the first streaks of dawn were
coloring the sky they arrived at the door of the Excelsior Hotel,
where Ivan had supper ordered and awaiting them.
The princess proved to be a handsome woman when they got into the
light, with the same short face and wide eyes as her brother.
Stella and she made immediate friends, and before they parted to
try and sleep the princess said:
"Stella, that my brother loves you proves that you must be a very
dear girl, that is what made me come from Paris at his
instantaneous bidding. He is the most splendid character in the
world, only don't cross his wishes. You will find it is no use,
for one thing," and she laughed her deep laugh. "He always knows
best."
"I am sure he does," said Stella shyly. "I felt that at once, and
so I did not hesitate."
Next morning, when the three were seated at a merry early
breakfast in the sitting-room discussing what should be said in
Stella's letter to her Aunt Caroline, a loud knock came to the
door, and, without waiting for a response, Canon Ebley and
Stella's cousin, Mr. Deanwood, entered the room.
The princess rose with dignity, draping her silk morning wrapper
round her like a statue, and Stella stepped forward with
outstretched hand.
"Oh, Uncle Erasmus," she said gaily, before any of the party could
speak, "I am so glad to see you. I was just going to write to Aunt
Caroline to tell her where I am, quite safe, in case she was
worried about me. Let me introduce you to my future sister-in-law,
Princess Urazov, with whom I am staying. My fiance, Count
Roumovski, you have met before."
Afterwards she often wondered how this emancipated spirit of
daring had ever come to her. But she felt so joyous, so full of
love and happiness, that it seemed that she could not be afraid or
annoyed with anyone in the world.
"Stella, you are a shameless girl," Canon Ebley retorted in a
horrified voice. "I refuse to admit that you are engaged to this
gentleman. Your whole conduct has been a scandalous series of
deceptions and you must be ready to return at once with your aunt
and your affianced husband. They are following us here now."
Then Stella used a weapon that she had more than once found
effectual with her uncle. She flung herself into his arms and
clasped him round the neck. He was a short, portly man, and from
this position she began to cajole him--while Count Roumovski
looked on with amused calm, and his sister, following his lead,
remained unmoved also.
Mr. Deanwood was the only restless person; he felt thoroughly
uncomfortable and bored to death. He hated having been dragged
into this family quarrel, and secretly sympathized with his cousin
in her revolt at the thought of being Eustace Medlicott's wife.
"Oh, dear Uncle Erasmus!" Stella purred, from the highly perturbed
clergyman's neck, where she was burrowing her sweet head, rubbing
her peach-like cheek against his whiskered cheek. "Don't say those
dreadful things, I have not deceived anybody, I have known Count
Roumovski since the day after we came to Rome, and--and--I love
him very much, and you know I always thought Eustace a bore, and
you must agree it is wicked to marry and not to love, so it must
be good to, oh!--well, to marry the person you do love. What have
you to say against it?"
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