“I will fathom this mystery,” he cried, springing furiously up. “You have upset my most cherished plans.”
“You are upsetting your breakfast,” said Gigonnet, arresting the table-clock, which was dragged by the skirt of du Tillet’s dressing-gown.
Madame du Tillet rose to leave the room, for her husband’s words alarmed her. She rang the bell, and a footman entered.
“The carriage,” she said. “And call Virginie; I wish to dress.”
“Where are you going?” exclaimed du Tillet.
“Well-bred husbands do not question their wives,” she answered. “I believe that you lay claim to be a gentleman.”
“I don’t recognize you ever since you have seen more of your impertinent sister.”
“You ordered me to be impertinent, and I am practising on you,” she replied.
“Your servant, madame,” said Gigonnet, taking leave, not anxious to witness this family scene.
Du Tillet looked fixedly at his wife, who returned the look without lowering her eyes.