"A very diplomatic arrangement," remarked M. de Bois.
"What a bonnet! What a beauty of a bonnet! what deliciously adjusted lace! How was it ever made to fall in such folds, over that bunch of moss roses; peeping out of those quivering leaves, touched with dew-drops?"
"That bonnet belongs to _Madame de Fleury_," said Victorine, with a malicious emphasis.
"Ah, indeed!" returned Mrs. Gilmer, changing color. "I wonder what would become of Madame de Fleury were it not for her toilets! If she were despoiled of her gay plumage, a very insipid, commonplace looking personage would remain. I must say, it is rather singular," she continued, growing warm in spite of herself, "but if I ever happen to look at anything particularly worth noticing, I am _always told_ it is for _Madame de Fleury_! Is Mademoiselle Melanie in her drawing-room? Is she accessible at this moment?"
"She has just come in; Mademoiselle Ruth will conduct you to her," answered Victorine, with an offended air.
"M. de Bois, I will be back soon," said Mrs. Gilmer to her escort. "There are books in abundance in yonder library,--rather an extraordinary piece of furniture for a dressmaker's _salon_, but, Mademoiselle Melanie has so much tact, she foresaw that they might be useful on some occasions."
Mrs. Gilmer followed Ruth to Madeleine's own apartments, which were on the first floor. Victorine returned to the room where the sewing-women were at work. Gaston selected a book and seated himself in a comfortable arm-chair.
He had hardly opened the volume when the Marchioness de Fleury entered, accompanied by Lord Linden.
As she descended from the carriage she had found his lordship promenading up and down before the house. He was overjoyed at this unlooked-for opportunity to obtain admission.
Madame de Fleury saluted Gaston with one of her most gracious smiles.
Victorine, catching sight of the marchioness, hurried forward, saying to Ruth,--
"Do not trouble yourself, Mademoiselle Ruth, I will have the honor of attending upon Madame de Fleury."
"That is right, Mademoiselle Victorine; but I am going to intrude into your _atelier_ of mysteries, and see what _chef d'oeuvres_ you have in progress."
Judging from Madame de Fleury's tone, one might easily have supposed that she alluded to pictures or statues, and was about reverently to enter the studio of some mighty genius, and wonder over his achievements in marble or on canvas. The apartment she invaded was one which visitors were not usually invited, or expected, to enter.