"It signifies nothing before you," said Lady Ongar.
"But before the servant, Julie—?"
"It would signify nothing before anybody."
"Come, come, Julie, dear; that is nonsense."
"Nonsense or no nonsense, I would wish to be private when I please. Will you tell me, Madame Gordeloup, what is your pleasure at the present moment?"
"My pleasure is to beg your pardon and to say you must forgive your poor friend. Your fine man-servant is out, and Bessy let me in. I told Bessy I would go up by myself, and that is all. If I have come too late I beg pardon."
"Not too late, certainly,—as I am still up."
"And I wanted to ask you about the pictures to-morrow? You said, perhaps you would go to-morrow,—perhaps not."
Clavering had found himself to be somewhat awkwardly situated while Madame Gordeloup was thus explaining the causes of her having come unannounced into the room; as soon, therefore, as he found it practicable, he took his leave. "Julia," he said, "as Madame Gordeloup is with you, I will now go."
"But you will let me see you soon?"