"To madame; she will be in the terrace arbor directly."
"Oh, very well," replacing his cigar in his pocket; "lead on, then."
Céline flitted on before, until the arbor became dimly visible down the pathway. Then she paused, pointed it out to her companion, and said: "Madame will soon join you there, sir. Now I must hasten to my mistress; I have kept her waiting too long."
With a low, mischievous laugh she darted away in the direction of the house.
Percy turned and gazed after her; then followed a few paces and watched again, until she disappeared under a wide portico. Heaving a sigh of relief he turned back toward the arbor.
"I want no eavesdropping," he muttered; "and that minx might listen if she had time. She is no more a French maid than I am; she forgot her monsieur just now. But a sham maid is very appropriate for a sham maiden; now for Alice;" and he entered the arbor.
"I am afraid for you. But give up now; never!"—[page 167.]