CHAPTER XXVIII
HUSBAND AND WIFE
Monsieur Achille was waiting in the vestibule of the Queen's apartments. As soon as Lord and Lady Eglinton appeared his majestic figure detached itself from the various groups of flunkeys, who stood about desultorily pending the breaking up of Her Majesty's Court; he had a cloak over his arm, and, at a sign from his master he approached and handed him the cloak which milor then placed round his wife's shoulders.
"Do you desire to sleep in Versailles to-night, Madame?" he asked, "my coach is below in case you wished to drive to Château d'Aumont."
"I thank you, milor," she said, "I would wish to remain in Versailles."
Then she added with a pathetic sigh of bitterness:
"My father would prefer it, I think. He is not prepared for my visit. And I do not interfere with your lordship's arrangements. . . ."
"Not in the least, Madame," he rejoined quietly. "The corridors are interminable; would you like a chair?"
"No. . . . Let us walk," she said curtly.
Without further comment he once more offered her his arm. She took it and together they descended the monumental staircase and then turned along the endless, vast corridors which lead to the West Wing. Monsieur Achille followed at a respectful distance, and behind him walked two flunkeys, also in the gorgeous scarlet and gold Eglinton livery, whilst two more bearing torches preceded Monsieur le Marquis and Madame, lighting them on their way.