This apartment has been like a grave to me all summer." She led the way into the living-room, where her sewing, a blue cambric frock she was scalloping for Fanny, was lying on the chair by the window.

"Things are all upset.

I hope you won't mind," she added apologetically while she folded the dress and laid it aside, "but nothing seems to matter when I sit here all by myself." "What are you doing ?" "Oh, I work all day.

There is really very little to do except plan for the autumn, and I like that.

Madame is in Paris, and I am in charge of the place." "And in the evenings ?" She laughed with recovered spirit.