The excitement of the rapid ride she had just had seemed further to intensify the expression of audacity which is habitual to her look and to her features.

And yet her voice was less assured than usual when she exclaimed as she came in: "Ah! I beg your pardon! I thought Madame de Malouet was here ?" I had risen at once to my full height.
"No, madam, she is not here." "Ah! excuse me.

Do you know where she is ?" "I do not, madam; but I can go and ascertain, if you wish." "Thanks, thanks! I'll find her easily enough.

The fact is, I met with a little accident." "Indeed!" "Oh, not much! a trailing limb tore the band off my hat, and my feathers dropped off." "Your blue feathers, madam ?" "Yes, my blue feathers.

In short, I have returned to the chateau to have my hat-band sewed on again.