into a chair to read a magazine, getting up in a couple of minutes
to straighten a picture on the wall, throwing out all the while idle
questions not worth answering. Ninety-nine human beings would have
been irritated to exasperation by her fidgeting; Sonia endured it
with a perfect patience. Five times Germaine asked her whether she
should wear her heliotrope or her pink gown at a forthcoming dinner
at Madame de Relzieres'. Five times Sonia said, without the
slightest variation in her tone, "I think you look better in the
pink." And all the while the pile of addressed envelopes rose
steadily.

Presently the door opened, and Alfred stood on the threshold.

"Two gentlemen have called to see you, miss," he said.

"Ah, the two Du Buits," cried Germaine.

"They didn't give their names, miss."

"A gentleman in the prime of life and a younger one?" said Germaine.

"Yes, miss."

"I thought so. Show them in."

"Yes, miss. And have you any orders for me to give Victoire when we
get to Paris?" said Alfred.

"No. Are you starting soon?"