'She does hate a me so, you av no idea. She as tryed to injure me several
times, and would employ the most innocent person, unconsciously you know,
my dear, to assist her malice.'
Here Madame wept a little. I had already discovered that she could shed
tears whenever she pleased. I have heard of such persons, but I never met
another before or since.
Madame was unusually frank--no one ever knew better when to be candid. 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.
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