t, with evident hesitation, took the cards that were handed to
him, and retired. The door of the _salon_ chanced to remain open, and
rendered audible a whispered conversation going on in the entry.

"I dare not disturb madame at this moment; she would fly into a terrible
rage. You know she never allows her toilet to be interrupted!"

These words, spoken in a female voice, reached the ears of the visitors.

"But the gentleman says it is an _appointment_. What's to be done? What
am I to answer?" was the rejoinder in rough male tones.

"You are a blockhead,--you have no management," replied the first voice.
"I will arrange the matter without your stupid interference."

Lurline now courtesied herself into the room, and, after bestowing an
arch glance of recognition upon the viscount, addressed the countess.

"I am _desolee_ to be obliged to inform madame that Madame de Fleury is
at this moment so much absorbed by her toilet that I fear I shall have
no opportunity of making known the honor of madame's visit. My mistress
has made an engagement to go to the capitol to hear some distinguished
orator. It is madame's _debut_ in spring attire this season. Madame's
dress, bonnet, and mantle have this moment been sent home. A more
delicately fresh toilet _de printemps_ cannot be conceived; it will
establish the fact that spring has arrived. But madame has not yet
essayed her attire and assured herself of its effect. I trust _madame la
comtesse_ will deem this sufficient apology for not being received."

As she concluded, Lurline simpered and courtesied, and seemed confident
that she had gracefully acquitted herself of a difficult duty.

"Not receive us when we are here by invitation?" ejaculated the
countess, angrily. "Is Madame de Fleury aware that it is the Countess de
Gramont and her family who are calling upon her?"

"There must be some mistake," interposed Maurice; then, turning to the
_femme de chambre_, he added, "I beg that you will deliver these cards
to the marchioness and bring me an answer."

"How am I to refuse monsieur?" replied Lurline, hesitating, yet
softening her unwillingness to comply by a volley of sidelong glances.
"Monsieur is not aware that he is placing me in a most delicate
position. It is against madame's rules to be disturbed when her toilet
is progressing: it requires her concentrated attention,--her whole mind!
Still, if monsieur insists, I will run the risk of madame's displeasure.
Monsieur mu