Mademoiselle was also all enthusiasm.
“Why, the dear, dear boy,” she said, “it is indeed a pleasure to see him in this so desolate country. It is a joy of the inconceivable.”
Her broken English made both Charley and Alex laugh; but then Alex pulled the bell, and our neat parlour-maid brought in our breakfast. I sat down to eat. I felt still as though in a dream. Was I in Paris, or in the old house, or in altogether new surroundings? I rubbed my eyes.
“You’re dead-tired,” said Von Marlo.
“I am bewildered,” I said.
“But I must catch the next train back,” said Mademoiselle.
This roused the boys from any present thought of me. They were all bustle and activity, seeing to Mademoiselle’s wants. She had very little time to spare. She would take the ten o’clock express from Victoria, and be back in Paris in less than twenty-four hours after she had left it.
As I bade her good-bye it seemed to me that I was slipping more and more from the old landmarks.
“Give my love to Hermione and Augusta,” I said.
“And to, perhaps, poor Riki?” said Mademoiselle.