The Fortnightly Review: No. CCCCLXIII, New Series [‎664r] (218/239)

NOSTALGIA.
187
ing and shrieking. Regina was stranded between a stout lady who
made a few observations without looking at her, and the bald old
gentleman who said nothing at all. She soon grew bored, finding
herself neglected and forgotten, lost among all these fat
superannuated people, these old silk gowns which had outlived their
rustle. How tedious! Was this the world of the rich, the
enchanted realm for which she had pined?
“ Regina shall not be seen here again,” she told herself.
Presently she saw Arduina smiling and beckoning to her from the
distance; but just then the Princess came over, and put her small
refulgent hand in Regina’s with an affectionate and familiar gesture.
“ Won’t you come and take a cup of tea,” she said.
Regina started to her feet, overwhelmed by so much attention.
“ How is your husband? ” said the Princess, leading her to the
supper-room.
“ Very well, thank you,” said Regina, in a low voice; ” he hasn’t
been able to come to-night because ”
“ Beg pardon? ” said the Princess.
All the elderly ladies and gentlemen followed the hostess, and
seated themselves round the room in which a sumptuous table was
laid. Marianna ran hither and thither, distributing the tea.
“Could you help?” she asked, passing Regina; “you seem like
a girl. Come with me.”
Regina followed her to the table, but did not know what to do;
she upset a jug and blushed painfully.
“ Here! ” said Marianna, giving her a plate, “ take that to the
man like a dog.”
“ Which man? Speak low! ”
“ The man beside your sister-in-law. He’s an author.”
Regina crossed the room shyly, carrying the plate, and imagining
everyone was looking at her. There was consolation in the thought
that she was about to offer a slice of tart to an author.
“ Oh, Signorina! ” he exclaimed, with a deprecating bow.
“ Signora, if you please! ” said Arduina, “ she’s my sister-in-law.”
“ My compliments and my condolences,” said the man, insolently;
he rolled his great eyes round the room and added, “ In this company
you seem a child.”
“ Why condolences? ” asked Arduina.
“ Because she’s your sister-in-law,” replied he.
Regina perceived that the author was very impudent, and she
retreated to the table. Not finding Marianna she timidly possessed
herself of another plate and took it to Massimo, who, also neglected
and forgotten, was standing near the door.
“Oh, you’re doing hostess, are you?” he said. “Look here!
bring me a glass of that wine in the tall, gold-necked bottle at the
corner of the table. Drink some yourself.”
Regina went for it, but found the Princess herself pouring wine
at that moment from the bottle with the golden neck.