"Oh, madame, to speak to me like this!" Tears were ready to do needful service.
"Do you wish to remain with me, Lablanche?"
"Ah, madame, but yes—"
"Then my head aches, and I don't want you to make it worse.... And, see, Lablanche, there is that grey walking-suit; also the mauve dressing-gown, made by Loison; take them, if you can make them fit you; and be good."
"Madame, how kind—ah, no one is like you, madame—!"
"Well, we shall see about that quite soon. Put out at once every gown of mine for me to see, and have trunks ready to pack immediately; but only three trunks, not more."
"Madame is going away?"
"Do as I say, Lablanche. We go to-night. The grey gown and the mauve dressing-gown that Loison made, you will look well in them. Quick, now, please."
In a flutter Lablanche left the room, her eyes gleaming.
She had had her mind on the grey suit for some time, but the mauve dressing-gown as well—it was too good to be true.