For a moment she hesitated, as though she would turn and fly. Then, with her eyes upon Adèle, she moved slowly forward. She seemed to be making an effort to come and serve us. That she was most apprehensive was perfectly plain….
Half-way between curtain and table she stopped. Then she put a hand to her throat.
"Madame desires something?"
"Some scent, please," said Adèle reassuringly.
Her cheerful tone appeared to encourage the girl. And when my wife pointed to the green phial and asked to be sprayed with its contents, I could have sworn her attitude was that of relief.
In a flash she had produced a small square of linen. This she handed to Adèle.
"Smell, Madame. See, it is scentless. Pardon." She sprayed it with scent. "Voilà. That is the 'Black Lily.'"
Adèle passed it to me. The scent was exquisite.
"It's delicious," said Adèle.
"Yes, Madame, it is good. Will Madame sample the others?"