“Annette,” observed Francis, “is not a servant.”
“I know,” returned Frederic, “but I can’t be late.”
Annette appeared with Frederic’s coffee. He gave her no thanks, and she returned to cook breakfast for Serge, Minna, and Gertrude. (Mary was away on a visit.)
“I think,” said Francis, “I think Annette might be the first to stay with William.”
“Annette!” Mrs. Folyat swept her out of consideration. “Annette! She has no clothes.”
Frederic gulped down his coffee and hurried away.
“It will be time,” said Mrs. Folyat, “it will be time to think of Annette when Gertrude and Mary and Minna are married.”
“And suppose they never marry?”
“Of course they will marry.”
Serge came down in Frederic’s dressing-gown, and shortly afterwards Minna and Gertrude followed him.