Susanne stares at her.
"Monsieur Everet, Madame!"
Helen turns slowly and looks at her. She says, in the same peculiarly low voice of a moment ago:
"Never speak of him again. Remember!—or you leave my service."
The girl steps back and murmurs something apologetic. Some one knocks on the door. Helen motions to Susanne, with her finger on her lips, and starts towards the bedroom.
Susanne moves slowly to give Helen time to leave the room; but the door opens and Braine steps in before Helen has reached the curtains.
He says hurriedly:
"Pardon, Helen! You are dressing? May I see you alone for a moment? I won't detain you long."
She nods slightly, and makes a gesture of dismissal to Susanne, as she comes slowly back to the dressing-table.
Her shoulders are bare: she had just thrown off her dressing-gown; she pulls about her the scarf that lies over the chair back, Braine leans against the chiffonnière watching her absently.