"Yes, Madame Marie."
"Madame!" exclaimed Klussman, and as his voice escaped repression it rang through the hall. He advanced, but his lady lifted her finger to hold him back.
"Presently, Klussman. The first matter in hand is to rebuke this runaway."
Marie's firm and polished chin, the contour of her glowing mouth, and the kindling beauty of her eyes were forever fresh delights to Le Rossignol. The dwarf watched the shapely and majestic woman moving down the hall.
"Madame," besought Zélie, looking anxiously around the end of the settle. But she also was obliged to wait. Marie extended a hand to the claws of Le Rossignol, who touched it with her beak.
"Thou hast very greatly displeased me."
"Yes, Madame Marie," said the culprit, with resignation.
"How many times have you set all our people talking about these witch flights on the swan, and sudden returns after dark?"
"I forget, Madame Marie."
"In all seriousness thou shalt be well punished for this last," said the lady severely.