“Here are the notes which I have taken this morning,” said Florine, putting a paper into the duenna’s hand. “Happily, I have a good memory.”
“At what time exactly did she return home this morning?” asked the duenna, quickly.
“Who, madame?”
“Miss Adrienne.”
“She did not go out, madame. We put her in the bath at nine o’clock.”
“But before nine o’clock she came home, after having passed the night out of her house. Eight o’clock was the time at which she returned, however.”
Florine looked at Mrs. Grivois with profound astonishment, and said-“I do not understand you, madame.”
“What’s that? Madame did not come home this morning at eight o’clock? Dare you lie?”
“I was ill yesterday, and did not come down till nine this morning, in order to assist Georgette and Hebe help our young lady from the bath. I know nothing of what passed previously, I swear to you, madame.”
“That alters the case. You must ferret out what I allude to from your companions. They don’t distrust you, and will tell you all.”