"She is probably still in bed," added the Marchioness. "She must rise without delay and dress herself to receive her brother, myself and Monsieur the Abbot. We have to speak to her upon matters of the highest importance."
"Oh! Mademoiselle has risen and dressed herself more than two hours ago, madam."
"That being the case, go and request Monsieur the Count and Monsieur the Abbot to come and join me in my niece's chamber."
"Madam the Marchioness will not find mademoiselle in her chamber."
"Where is she?"
"Mademoiselle went out for a walk in the park, as she often does."
"What! Gone out! And yesterday and this morning she pretended to feel so ill that she could not receive me?"
"The weather is so beautiful that mademoiselle believed a walk would do her good. She went down and walked towards the park."
"You lie! My niece did not go out!"
"Madam the Marchioness can ascertain the truth for herself by walking into the room."