"Where on earth have you been all this time, you gadabout?"
"I have been gone barely an hour, godmother."
"And you hoped to find me dead when you got back, didn't you, now? Oh, you needn't deny it. You've had enough of me, yes, too much. The day my coffin lid is screwed down will be a happy day for you, and for me, too, for it is too bad, too bad for any one to have to suffer as I do," added the poor woman, pressing her hand upon her bosom, and groaning heavily.
Mariette dried the tears her godmother's sarcastic words had excited, and approaching the sufferer, said, gently:
"You had such a bad night last night that I hoped you would be more comfortable to-day and get a little sleep while I was out."
"If I suffer or if I starve to death it makes no difference to you, evidently, provided you can run the streets."
"I went out this morning because I was absolutely obliged to, godmother, but before I left I asked Madame Justin—"
"I'd as lief see a death's-head as that creature, so when you want to get rid of me you have only to send her to wait on me."
"Shall I dress your arm, godmother?"
"No, it is too late for that now. You stayed away on purpose. I know you did."