"Because, dear, we have decided to make a blue altar-cloth embroidered with gold and silk for your convent. Without your advice we do not know how to set about it; it is impossible for us to choose the design and the colours."
The table was already covered with the velvet cloth in question which reached down to the ground; on it were lying skeins of silk, fringes and gold thread. As soon as Helene had taken her seat the ladies began an earnest discussion on the question whether they should embroider the flowers flame-colour, the stalks white, the leaves red, and at the top in gold a border of moss-roses.
"But would it look natural?" said the nun.
"Then what are we to do?" answered the "benefactress" in an agitated way. "Enlighten us, dear Sister; without you we are in darkness."
When the consultation was over, Sacha, who had waited impatiently, approached Helene, took her arm, and led her to the drawing-room.
"I have been to your church to-day," she said. "I have looked for you everywhere without seeing you."
"I generally stand on the right in a corner."
"In the shadow?"
"Yes; one feels more comfortable out of observation."
"It is a pity; I was looking forward so much to meeting you again, and did not succeed."