She did not like the day-servant's independent, almost rude way of speaking.
"Should the master and mistress come back before Madame has left, will Madame kindly explain that she _insisted_ on coming into the house?
I am absolutely forbidden to admit visitors unless Madame Wachner is here to entertain them." The woman spoke quickly, her eyes fixed expectantly on the lady sitting before her.
Mrs.Bailey suddenly realised, or thought she realised, what that look meant.

She took her purse out of her pocket and held out a two-franc piece.
"Certainly," she answered coldly, "I will explain to Madame Wachner that I insisted on coming in to rest." The woman's manner altered; it became at once familiar and servile.

After profusely thanking Sylvia for her "tip," she laid the cotton parasol on the dining-table, put her arms akimbo, and suddenly asked, "Has Madame heard any news of her friend?
I mean of the Polish lady ?" "No," Sylvia looked up surprised.

"I'm sorry to say that there is still no news of her, but, of course, there will be soon." She was astonished that the Wachners should have mentioned the matter to this disagreeable, inquisitive person.
"The lady stopped here on her way to the station.

She seemed in very high spirits." "Oh, no, you are quite mistaken," said Sylvia quickly.