Thus I killed two birds with one lie, freeing the house for a whole day of its nosy proprietor and its chief spy.
Next morning I waited impatiently for their departure. From my window I watched the carriage out of sight, staring with superstitious zeal till the last inch of the last wheel had disappeared round the turn in the drive. Then I rang for Gabrielle.
"Mademoiselle requires?"
"To ask you a question. You would do anything for Mademoiselle Elise?"
"Anything, Mademoiselle. And for Mademoiselle also."
"Thank you, Gabrielle. In the matter I am going to talk about it is all one: Whatever I ask, you may take it as from your mistress. She sleeps badly, I think?"
"I don't see—"
"Wait. You take her up a tisane, a sleeping potion, sometimes at night when she is in bed? How strong is it?"
"As strong as Mademoiselle Elise requires. It is not well for it to be too strong. She sleeps half-an-hour later: with me it would be two little minutes. Once I could not sleep, and I took a little cupful: I slept for nine hours, and could not wake next morning. I was up late and Madame the Countess scolded. Perhaps Mademoiselle remembers?"
"So I do. Now listen, Gabrielle. François is away today with Madame. Who is taking Monsieur de Fouquier's meals to his bedroom?"