Still, Annesley hoped that her lover had not asked the lady to "mother"
his fiancee. She had not the air of one who would be complimented by such
a request.
As Annesley put her hand into that of the Countess, she noticed that this
hand was as wonderful as the rest of the woman's personality. It was very
long, very narrow, with curiously supple-looking fingers exquisitely
manicured and wearing many rings. Even the thumb was abnormally long,
which fact prevented the hand from being as beautiful as it was, somehow,
unforgettable.
"This is a pleasure and a surprise," began the Countess, smiling, her
eyes appearing to take in the full-length portrait of Annesley Grayle
with their wide, unmoving gaze. When she smiled she was still extremely
handsome, but not so perfect as with lips closed, for her white teeth
were too short, somewhat irregular, and set too wide apart. She spoke
English perfectly, with a slight foreign accent and a roll of the letter
"r."
"My friend--Nelson Smith" (she turned, laughing, to him), "has told me
ex-_citing_ news. We have known each other a long time. I think this is
the best thing that can happen.
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