She hesitated, then said a little nervously, "Tell me, did you ask Madame Wolsky to go away?
Please don't mind my asking you this ?" "_I_ ask Madame Wolsky to go away ?" he repeated, genuinely surprised.
"Such a thought never even crossed my mind.

It would have been very impertinent--what English people would call 'cheeky'-- of me to do such a thing! You must indeed think me a hypocrite! Have I not shared your surprise and concern at her extraordinary disappearance?
And her luggage?
If I had wished her to go away, I should not have encouraged her to leave all her luggage behind her!" he spoke with the sarcastic emphasis of which the French are masters.
Sylvia grew very red.
As a matter of fact, it had been Madame Wachner who had suggested that idea to her.

Only the day before, when Sylvia had been wondering for the thousandth time where Anna could be, the older woman had exclaimed meaningly, "I should not be surprised if that Count de Virieu persuaded your friend to go away.

He wants the field clear for himself." And then she had seemed to regret her imprudent words, and she had begged Sylvia not to give the Count any hint of her suspicion.

Even now Sylvia did not mention Madame Wachner.
"Of course, I don't think you a hypocrite," she said awkwardly, "but you never did like poor Anna, and you were always telling me that Lacville isn't a place where a nice woman ought to stay long.