"I am not aware of it."
"In that case, then, how can I possibly accede to your request?"
"Nothing is easier. Whom have you admitted during the last month?"
"You either tell me too precisely, or with not sufficient precision, who this person is," said the superior, "and I am unable to comply with your wish."
"Why so?"
"Because, during the last month I have received no one here until this morning."
"This morning?"
"Yes, Monsieur le Duc, and you can understand that your own arrival, two hours after hers, has too much the appearance of a pursuit to enable me to grant you permission to speak to her."
"I implore you, madame."
"Impossible, monsieur."