“We find it very necessary for our existence, I assure you, madame.”
“Just as Yolande was once necessary for your existence—eh?” she added mischievously, as they both laughed in chorus at my discomfiture.
“Well, and if I admit it?”
“If you admit it you will perhaps set our minds at rest as to the reason of her sudden departure from Paris yesterday,” exclaimed the Baronne, with a strange expression upon her face, as though she knew more than she would admit.
“I have no idea of the reason. They have gone for their cure at Marienbad, I believe.” Madame smiled, pushing a little tendril of her auburn hair from off her brow.
“You believe!” she echoed. “Are you not certain?”
“No, I’m not certain. They left hurriedly. That is all I know.”
“And all you care?” asked Sibyl, regarding me very gravely.
“And all I care,” I added.
“What a courteous cavalier!” exclaimed madame, laughing. Then she added: “I’ve known Yolande and her mother for quite a number of years. Yolande is a most charming girl.”