“I stand rebuked, Grandmama, by you both! So I will say goodnight!”
Again he lifted her blue-veined hand covered in glittering rings somewhat perfunctorily to his lips.
Without looking at Sandra, he walked slowly in the same dignified manner from the room.
Only when they were alone did Sandra say in a small voice,
“I-I am sorry – I did not mean to be rude!”
“You were quite a surprise to him,” the Countess said. “My grandson is accustomed to having every woman who looks at him fall into his arms before he is even aware she is there.”
“Why should they do that?” Sandra asked in genuine surprise.
The Countess looked at her as if she thought she was feigning ignorance and then commented,
“My grandson is, as you see, not only extremely handsome, but also exceedingly wealthy – two assets
