He resorts to this mode of address to avoid the more familiar form, which is so offensive to her.
"No, I am not going to make calls," Sidonie replies with a certain pride.
"On the contrary, I expect to receive them. This is my day."
In response to her husband's astounded, bewildered expression she continues:
"Why, yes, this is my day. Madame Fromont has one; I can have one also,
I fancy."
"Of course, of course," said honest Risler, looking about with some little uneasiness. "So that's why I saw so many flowers everywhere, on the landing and in the drawing-room."
"Yes, my maid went down to the garden this morning. Did I do wrong?
Oh! you don't say so, but I'm sure you think I did wrong. 'Dame'!
I thought the flowers in the garden belonged to us as much as to the
Fromonts."
"Certainly they do—but you—it would have been better perhaps—"
"To ask leave? That's it-to humble myself again for a few paltry chrysanthemums and two or three bits of green. Besides, I didn't make any secret of taking the flowers; and when she comes up a little later—"
"Is she coming? Ah! that's very kind of her."
Sidonie turned upon him indignantly.