Four queens, my dear." It was ten minutes to four.

Zoe was astonished, could not understand why her mistress was out so long.

Ordinarily when Madame found herself obliged to go out in the afternoons she got it over in double-quick time.

But Mme Maloir declared that one didn't always manage things as one wished.

Truly, life was beset with obstacles, averred Mme Lerat.