"I don't know why Marguerite should make such a remark, nor what necessity there was that she should tell you I had anyone here last night."
While uttering these words Touquet looked severely at Marguerite, who dusted and wiped the furniture without daring to look at her master.
"But, my dear," answered Blanche, "is there anything bad in one's supping with one of his friends?"
"Undoubtedly not."
"What harm, then, has Marguerite done in telling me that?"
"A servant should not incessantly tell tales about everything her master does. It should be very indifferent to you, Blanche, whether anyone comes to see me in the evening or not."
"Oh, mercy, yes, since you won't let me come down, though that would amuse me much better than staying in my room."
"A young girl should not talk to everybody, and many people come here of whom I know very little."
"Yes, in the morning; but in the evening you only receive your friends."
"I receive very few visitors in the evening except Chaudoreille, whom you know."