“Flatulence, flatulence,” Luiza said.
For some days past Juliana would set the house in order in the morning, and no sooner had Luiza turned the corner of the street at one o’clock than she would go to her room to dress herself, and then, looking very fine in her merino gown, her hat, and her parasol, would go say to Joanna,—
“I am going to the doctor’s.”
And Joanna would answer, delighted, “Yes; go.”
Juliana’s way led her by S. Pedro de Alcantara into the Rua do Carmo, and finally to an alley in front of the barracks. There, on a third floor, lived her intimate friend Aunt Victoria. She was an old woman who had once kept an employment agency, but of late years her business had been of a more complicated and varied character. For some time past Juliana had been in the habit of visiting her frequently; and no sooner did she make her appearance than the old woman, notwithstanding her many occupations, would rise, take her to her private room, shut the door, and remain closeted with her for half an hour or more. Juliana always came out from these interviews flushed, her eyes sparkling, and looking happy. She would return home in haste, and her first words on entering the house always were,—
“Has the mistress returned, Joanna?”
“Not yet; she is in the Encarnação.”
“Poor thing! And afterwards she will naturally take a walk. She is very right to amuse herself.”
Joanna was by nature stupid and obtuse. Nevertheless she noticed that of late the Senhora Juliana manifested great affection for her mistress, and she said to her one day,—
“It seems that you are better friends with the mistress now than formerly, Juliana.”