“Nothing,” returned Madame, sobbing behind her handkerchief.
“How will you have it prepared?” asked Mary with unmoved gravity.
Madame burst into a laugh. “I’ll have a broiled sweet-bread, hot buttered muffins, coffee, and marmalade.”
“Shall I prepare it?”
“No, ring for Kathleen.”
Mary touched the bell.
“What gown will Madame be pleased to wear?” she asked, bringing a basin of water and a towel to the bedside.
“That blue silk wrapper. Has Mrs. Sharp come?”
“No, but she has sent a young girl to work for you. I left her in the sewing-room making your skirts.”
“The top o’ the mornin’ to yees, Madame!” cried Kathleen, coming in fresh and rosy from her walk. “I hope ye’re aisy, an’ feel like atin’ a big breakfast. Ye breathe aisier nor ye do sometimes.”