At present I suppose she concluded that Lady Knollys would certainly relate whatever she knew concerning her before she left Knowl; and so Madame's reserves, whatever they might be, were dissolving, and she growing childlike and confiding.
'Et comment va monsieur votre pere aujourd'hui ?' 'Very well,' I thanked her.
'And how long miladi Knollys her visit is likely to be ?' 'I could not say exactly, but for some days.' 'Eh bien, my dear cheaile, I find myself better this morning, and we must return to our lessons.

Je veux m'habiller, ma chere Maud; you will wait me in the school-room.' By this time Madame, who, though lazy, could make an effort, and was capable of getting into a sudden hurry, had placed herself before her dressing-table, and was ogling her discoloured and bony countenance in the glass.
'Wat horror! I am so pale.

Quel ennui! wat bore! Ow weak av I grow in two three days!' And she practised some plaintive, invalid glances into the mirror.

But on a sudden there came a little sharp inquisitive frown as she looked over the frame of the glass, upon the terrace beneath.

It was only a glance, and she sat down languidly in her arm-chair to prepare, I suppose, for the fatigues of the toilet.
My curiosity was sufficiently aroused to induce me to ask-- 'But why, Madame, do you fancy that Lady Knollys dislikes you ?' ''Tis not fancy, my dear Maud.