"Not so much so as to call me Zibeline," said Mademoiselle de Vermont, laughing.
"Ha! ha! You know your sobriquet, then?"
"I have known it a long time! Good-night, General! We shall meet again."
Then, addressing her footman, she said in English: "Home!"
CHAPTER XVI
FRATERNAL ADVICE
Like all residences where the owners receive much company, the Hotel de Montgeron had a double porte-cochere. Just as the Swiss opened the outer gate to allow the departure of Mademoiselle de Vermont, the two carriages crossed each other on the threshold. In fact, Henri had had hardly time to cross the courtyard to mount to his own apartments before his brother- in-law and his sister stopped him at the foot of the steps. He rejoined them to say good-night.
"Won't you come and take a cup of tea with us in the little salon?" they asked.
"Willingly," was his response. He followed them, and all three seated themselves beside a table which was already laid, and upon which the boiling water sang in the kettle.
"Leave us," said the Duchess to the butler. "I will serve tea myself. Did Mademoiselle de Vermont bring you home?" she asked, when the servant had retired.