.

As much could not be said with regard to her Mother, who remonstrated
with her after the Count's departure as strongly as she dared.

"I shouldn't see him alone like that, again, my love," she said
anxiously. "It might put ideas into people's heads. Indeed I'm not sure
that, as it is, some of the Court don't think there must be something
between you."

"It's perfectly indifferent to me _what_ they think, Mother," was the
lofty reply. "As a matter of fact, there is nothing whatever between us.
I am merely doing what I can to make him a little more civilised."

"There would be no objection to that, my dear. Only it _does_ look so
very like _encouraging_ him, you know. And it's so necessary to be
careful just now. I'm afraid the People think we are making far too much
of that young man. I noticed they looked very black that day we drove
over to Drachenstolz. I really think it would be better if the next time
he calls you would be 'not at home' to him."

"My dear Mother," returned Edna, "I am old enough to have the right to
choose my own friends, and I shall certainly decline to drop them just
because the Court chooses to make my friendships a subject for foolish
gossip."

Queen Selina did not venture to pursue the conversation any farther, but
she was more relieved than she would once have thought possible when she
heard that the Court Godmother had returned from Clairdelune. According
to strict etiquette, it was for the Fairy to attend her Mistress and
report herself, but the Queen waived all ceremony by paying the first
visit. She went at once, and unattended, to the apartments in one of the
towers that had been assigned to the Court Godmother, who, without
seeming at all overwhelmed by such condescension, received her with more
benignity than usual. "Thank you, my dear," she said, in answer to the
Queen's inquiries, "I am tolerably well, and feel no ill effects from my
journey. And I think," she added complacently, "you will agree that I
have spent my time at Clairdelune not altogether unprofitably. But you
shall hear all about it presently. Tell me how things have been going on
here while I have been away. As satisfactorily, I trust, as possible?"

"Oh, quite--quite--that is, I've been just a little worried lately about
that young Count Rubenfresser. He has taken to coming here oftener than
I think quite desirable."

"Coming here?" repeated the Fairy, with surprise. "Why, I thought he was
never allowed outs