As she concluded, Lurline simpered and courtesied, and seemed confident that she had gracefully acquitted herself of a difficult duty.
"Not receive us when we are here by invitation?" ejaculated the countess, angrily. "Is Madame de Fleury aware that it is the Countess de Gramont and her family who are calling upon her?"
"There must be some mistake," interposed Maurice; then, turning to the _femme de chambre_, he added, "I beg that you will deliver these cards to the marchioness and bring me an answer."
"How am I to refuse monsieur?" replied Lurline, hesitating, yet softening her unwillingness to comply by a volley of sidelong glances. "Monsieur is not aware that he is placing me in a most delicate position. It is against madame's rules to be disturbed when her toilet is progressing: it requires her concentrated attention,--her whole mind! Still, if monsieur insists, I will run the risk of madame's displeasure. Monsieur must only be kind enough to wait, and allow me to watch for a favorable moment when I can place these cards before madame."
With a low salutation, and a coquettish movement of the head that set all her ribbons fluttering, the _femme de chambre_ made her exit.
"Not receive us? Make us wait?" exclaimed the countess, wrathfully; "truly, Madame de Fleury has profited by her sojourn among savages! This is not to be endured! Let us depart at once!"
"My dear mother," began Count Tristan, soothingly, "it will not do to be offended, or to notice the slight, if there be one; but, I am sure, none is intended. It is absolutely _indispensable_ that I should see the countess, and get her to present this letter to the Marquis de Fleury, and also that I should obtain her promise that she will influence him to secure the vote of Mr. Gobert. Pray, be courteous to the marchioness when she makes her appearance, or all is lost."
"What degradation will you demand of me next? How can you suppose it possible that I can be courteous? I tell you I am furious!"
"But you do not know all that depends upon obtaining these votes. Think of this railroad,--of the vital importance of the direction it takes! Think of the Maryland property, which is almost all that is left to us"--
"Have I not again and again begged you not to meddle with railroads,--not to occupy yourself with business matters which a nobleman is bound to ignore?"