Shame on me again! I fancied she sat, glowing, beautiful, at the edge of the amber couch.
At last she called out to me: "Monsieur!" I was at my own curtains at once, but hers remained tight folded, although I heard her voice close behind them.

"_Eh bien ?_" I answered.
"It is nothing, except I would say that if Monsieur feels especially grave and reverent, he will find a very comfortable _prie-dieu_ at the foot of the bed." "I thank you," I replied, gravely as I could.
"And there is a very excellent rosary and crucifix on the table just beyond!" "I thank you," I replied, steadily as I could.
"And there is an English Book of Common Prayer upon the stand not far from the head of the bed, upon this side!" "A thousand thanks, my very good friend." I heard a smothered laugh beyond the amber curtains.

Presently she spoke again, yawning, as I fancied, rather contentedly.
"_A la bonne heure, Monsieur!_" "_A la bonne heure, Madame!_".