"When did you do this?"
"Last summer."
The pastor laughed slyly to himself. "Now," thought he, "the countess must be convinced that she dreamed the whole scene she has so accurately described."
"Have I not worn it since last summer?" questioned Theudelinde.
"Not once. The open-hanging sleeves are only for the hottest weather."
"Impossible!"
"But, countess," put in the priest, "it is easy to convince yourself of what ma'm'selle says. You have only to look into the wardrobe. Who keeps the key?"
"Ma'm'selle Emerenzia."
"Do you command me to open the press?" asked the companion, with a discomfited look.
"I do," answered the countess, nodding to the pastor to follow her into the next room.