“Ah.”

She strolled out of the room, hesitated, then turned in the doorway with a charming smile.

“The Countess will return from her gallop at five.”

She waited as though expecting an answer, but I only bowed.

“Would you take a message to Mistaire Kelly Eyre for me?” she asked, sweetly.

I said that I would.

“Then please say that: ‘On Sunday the book-stores are closed in Paris.’”

“Is that what I am to say?”

“Exactly that.”

“Very well, mademoiselle.” 218