"
"If, indeed, it should be good news," the Marquise said slowly, "it were
better broken gradually to Mademoiselle. I will take her a message."
"Permit me to see her, Marquise," he begged. "My errand is indeed
important."
She shook her head.
"It is not," she said, "according to the _convenances_. Mademoiselle is
under my protection. I have not the honor of knowing you, Monsieur."
Duncombe raised his eyebrows.
"But you remember calling at my house in Norfolk, and bringing Miss
Poynton away," he said.
She stared at him calmly.
"The matter," she said, "has escaped my memory. I do not love your
country, Monsieur, and my rare visits there do not linger in my mind."
"Your husband," he reminded her, "asked me to visit you here."
"My husband's friends," she replied, "are not mine."
The calm insolence of her manner towards him took him aback. He had
scarcely expected such a reception.
"I can only apologize, Madame," he said with a bow, "for intruding. I
will await your husband's return in the hall."
He bowed low, and turned to leave the room. He had almost reached the
door before she stopped him.
"Wait!"
He turned round.
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