I beg pardon, m'm, but one is a note from Mme. Fanfreluche, and
the man who brought it is waiting for an answer.
_Isabel_. Didn't you tell him I was out?
_Footman_. Yes, m'm. But he said he had orders to wait till you came in.
_Isabel_. Ah--let me see. (_She opens the note_.) Ah, yes. (_A pause_.)
Please say that I am on my way now to Mme Fanfreluche's to give her the
answer in person. You may tell the man that I have already started. Do you
understand? Already started.
_Footman_. Yes, m'm.
_Isabel_. And--wait. (_With an effort_.) You may tell me when the man has
started. I shall wait here till then. Be sure you let me know.
_Footman_. Yes, m'm. (_He goes out_.)
_Isabel (sinking into a chair and hiding her face)_. Ah! (_After a moment
she rises, taking up her gloves and sunshade, and walks toward the window
which opens on the lawn_.) I'm so tired. (_She hesitates and turns back
into the room_.) Where can I go to? (_She sits down again by the tea-
table, and bends over the kettle. The clock strikes half-past five_.)
_Isabel (picking up her sunshade, walks back to the window)_. If I _must_
meet one of them...
_Oberville (speaking in the hall)_. Thanks. I'll take tea first. (_He
enters the room, and pauses doubtfully on seeing Isabel_.)
_Isabel (stepping towards him with a smile)_. It's not that I've changed,
of course, but only that I happened to have my back to the light. Isn't
that what you are going to say?
_Oberville_.
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