“No; with the Duchesse de Mortemain.”
“Very well; I will go.”
“Then will you allow me to go and put on my hat?”
“Yes, go, my child.”
As Annette left the room the Countess entered, veiled, ready to set forth. She extended her hands cordially.
“We never see you any more. What are you doing?” she inquired.
“I did not wish to trouble you just at this time,” said Bertin.
In the tone with which she spoke the word “Olivier!” she expressed all her reproaches and all her attachment.
“You are the best woman in the world,” he said, touched by the tender intonation of his name.
This little love-quarrel being finished and settled, the Countess resumed her light, society tone.