"Oh, how silly I am!" said Montalais, "have I not the
robe-of-ceremony closet? It looks as if it were made on
purpose."

It was quite time to act; Madame de Saint-Remy was coming up
at a quicker pace than usual. She gained the landing at the
moment when Montalais, as in all scenes of surprises, shut
the closet by leaning with her back against the door.

"Ah!" cried Madame de Saint-Remy, "you are here, are you,
Louise?"

"Yes, madame," replied she, more pale than if she had
committed a great crime.

"Well, well!"

"Pray be seated, madame," said Montalais, offering her a
chair, which she placed so that the back was towards the
closet.

"Thank you, Mademoiselle Aure -- thank you. Come my child,
be quick."

"Where do you wish me to go, madame?"

"Why, home, to be sure; have you not to prepare your
toilette?"

"What did you say?" cried Montalais, hastening to affect