Two servants attended without making the least noise on the floor; and the loftiness of the apartment, which had three portières of richest tapestry, and two white marble fountains, the polish of the chafing-dish, the arrangement of the side-dishes, and even the rigid folds of the napkins, all this sumptuous comfort impressed Frederick's mind with the contrast between it and another breakfast at the Arnouxs' house. He did not take the liberty of interrupting M. Dambreuse.
Madame noticed his embarrassment.
"Do you occasionally see our friend Martinon?"
"He will be here this evening," said the young girl in a lively tone.
"Ha! so you know him?" said her aunt, fixing on her a freezing look.
At that moment one of the men-servants, bending forward, whispered in her ear.
"Your dressmaker, Mademoiselle—Miss John!"
And the governess, in obedience to this summons, left the room along with her pupil.
M. Dambreuse, annoyed at the disarrangement of the chairs by this movement, asked what was the matter.
"'Tis Madame Regimbart."