"Would monsieur be absent to-morrow?"
"Yes."
Then, as mademoiselle would not especially need her, would she graciously give her the day? Her sister had just returned from Paris, and would very soon leave the city en route for Washington. Her sister was in the service of Mrs. General Delonne—of course mademoiselle had heard of Madame Delonne; knew her, perhaps. Céline much desired to see this sister, and expected to get some valuable hints from her regarding the very latest French coiffeurs, etc., etc. In short, could mademoiselle spare her to-morrow, just for one little day?
Mademoiselle, after due deliberation, perhaps in consideration of the new coiffeurs, graciously consented. This matter was settled while the dinner toilet of the lady was in progress; and Céline spared no pains to make her mistress satisfied with herself and all about her.
"How long had Mr. Percy been in the little parlor, Céline, before I came down?" questioned the lady.
She was still a trifle dissatisfied at having found her lover so cosily tête-á-tête with her fascinating sister-in-law.
"Oh, a very short time, my lady—I mean mademoiselle."
"And how did he meet Mrs. Arthur?" anxiously.
"Madame was just entering from the terrace; they met in the hall," glibly.
"And did they meet like old friends, Céline?"