"Not knowing if your ladyship was at home, I have begged M. and Madame de Brévannes to wait."
"They are here!" exclaimed Madame de Hansfeld, shuddering.
"Yes, princess."
"Madame has forgotten that she appointed this morning to receive the visit of M. and Madame de Brévannes," remarked Iris.
"Yes, true," said Paula, with a faltering voice, "I—yes—yes—to be sure."
"The princess will see them," said Iris, hastily; "request M. and Madame Brévannes to be good enough to wait for a few minutes."
The valet-de-chambre quitted the apartment.
CHAPTER XLIV
[DECISION]
"Never, never shall I have the courage to receive M. and Madame de Brévannes," exclaimed the princess with despair, "for——"