She said this in such a peremptory way that he stopped short in his teasing. This little girl was certainly in a bad temper; it was better after all to leave her to sulk as she would. The art of living was fast disappearing when people no longer knew how to conceal their troubles, to bear them with fortitude, in order not to burden their neighbors. Society would soon sanction discussing one's private affairs publicly and wearing a sorrowful expression. And that was the inevitable result of a long period of democracy. So now he only thought of hastening his departure. Happily he found some comfort in seeing his face, still fresh, reflected in the mirror of the wardrobe.
"Well, rest, little one, if you are tired."
This expression of interest satisfied his paternal dignity, and as soon as he was out in the corridor, he cheered up.
Elizabeth, thus disturbed, was trying with difficulty to recover the lost trend of her reflections, when her children, having heard of her return, rushed into the room. They had just come in from their walk, and made a great noise with their hobnailed shoes. They were surprised not to see her in evening dress.
"You will be late," declared Marie Louise.
"I am dining with you, my darlings."
"Oh! Oh!" cried Philippe joyfully, using his big voice like a bell.
And the little girl was already calling from the staircase.
"Agatha, set three places."
Nothing pleased her so well as giving orders, except listening to stories or teasing her brother.