Her aunt the Marchesa had sent word that she was coming at four o'clock with the lawyer to explain Angela's position to her, and it was impossible to say how long the two might stay.

Meanwhile she must send word to Giovanni not to come, for it would not suffice that he should be refused admittance at the gate, since he might chance to present himself just when the Marchesa drove up, which would produce a very bad impression.

Angela was ashamed to send her maid with a note to a young officer, and she would not trust one of the men-servants; she turned for advice to Madame Bernard, who was her only confidante.
'What am I to do ?' she asked when she had explained everything.

'He is generally at the War Office at this time and he may not even go home before he comes here.

I see no way but to send a note.' 'He would certainly go home to change his clothes,' answered the practical Frenchwoman; 'but it is not necessary for you to write.