Had we been overtaken, Monsieur, we had had you to thank for it, it seems!" He bit his lip.

"But we have not been overtaken," he rejoined.

"On the contrary, you have me to thank for something quite different." "As unwelcome, perhaps!" she retorted.

"For what ?" "Softly, Madame." "For what ?" she repeated, refusing to lower her voice.

"Speak, Monsieur, if you please." He had never seen her look at him in that way.
"For the fact," he answered, stung by her look and tone, "that when you arrive you will find yourself mistress in your own house! Is that nothing ?" "You have called in my people ?" "Carlat has done so, or should have," he answered.