“And when one is subject to them,” went on madame, “one cannot be too careful.”
“I have already assured mademoiselle,” I said, “that this is absolutely the first.”
“Then she is very fortunate,” murmured madame, pensively.
“She?” I repeated, staring at her. “I do not understand.”
“Pardon me—then you are very fortunate, monsieur;” and she smiled broadly.
I confess I did not yet quite catch her meaning. I was therefore the more surprised to see my companion redden deeply, then rise abruptly and walk to the other side of the room, where she paused with her back to us to contemplate the fall of Fribourg.
Madame smiled again and cast me a glance full of meaning.
“Yes, you have offended her,” she said.
“Offended her?” I repeated in dismay. “I?”
“It is always an error,” she explained, “to compel a lady to correct herself.”