“Oh!” she replied, “the place is enchanting; you have no idea of its elegance and comfort.”
“How about Gaston?” asked Monsieur de l’Estorade.
“He was, I won’t say very calm,” replied Madame de l’Estorade, “but at any rate master of himself. His condition satisfied me all the more because the day had begun by a serious annoyance to him.”
“What was it?”
“Monsieur de Sallenauve could not come with him,” replied Nais, taking upon herself to reply.
She was one of those children brought up in a hot-house, who put themselves forward much oftener than they ought to do.
“Nais,” said Madame de l’Estorade, “go to Mary and tell her to do up your hair.”
The child understood perfectly well that she was sent away for speaking improperly, and she made a face as she left the room.
“This morning,” said Madame de l’Estorade as soon as Nais had shut the door, “Monsieur Gaston and Monsieur de Sallenauve were to start together for Ville d’Avray, and meet us there, as agreed upon. But last night they had a visit from that organist who took such an active part in the election. He came to hear the Italian housekeeper sing and judge if she were ready to go upon the stage.”
“Yes, yes,” said Monsieur de l’Estorade; “of course Sallenauve wants to get rid of her now that he has ceased to make statues.”