I could not escape from all this.

Then I imagined that perhaps madam was having her heavy locks combed by the serving-woman.

In spite of myself, I pictured her thus, even more beautiful than before.
For a long time I concluded that my presence was to be dismissed as a thing which was of no importance, or which was to be regarded as not having happened.

At length, however, after what seemed at least half an hour of these mysterious ceremonies, I heard certain sighings, long breaths, as though madam were taking calisthenic movements, some gymnastic training--I knew not what.

She paused for breath, apparently very well content with herself.
Shame on me! I fancied perhaps she stood before a mirror.