“Will you not allow me to accompany you? You are not yet familiar with the house.”
“Trude will show it to me, and you can at the same time give the orders.”
Nodding proudly to Ebenstreit, she told Trude to precede her, following the old woman through the suite of brilliant rooms.
“Here is my lady’s dressing-room,” said Trude, entering one ornamented with mirrors, laces, and gauzes.
The French waiting-maid was busy within, unpacking the large trunks filled with silk and satin dresses which had been purchased by the dozens in Paris.
“Lay out an elegant visiting toilet; I will return directly, after Trude has shown me the house,” They entered the adjoining chamber, Marie’s sleeping-room and found the German maid arranging the lace and silk coverings for her mistress to repose herself after the long journey. Marie betrayed no inclination for repose, but questioned Trude as to whither the other door led to.
“Into the little corridor, baroness.”
“Did I not order that there should be but one entrance to my sleeping-room, and that from the dressing-room?”
“Your commands have been strictly obeyed,” replied Trude. “The only door from the corridor leads to my two rooms, and there is but one entrance to them upon the other side, which can be securely fastened.”
Into the simple, quiet room, at the baroness’s request, Trude opened the door, saying, “Here we can be alone.”