Her relations with Amelie were slightly strained just now, for she had not taken her advice as to their return journey from Venice.

Amelie had insisted on Mont Cenis, and Althea had chosen the St.Gothard; so that it was as a measure of propitiation that she selected three of the roses for Amelie as she went into the bedroom.

Amelie, who was kneeling before one of the larger boxes and carefully lifting skirts from its trays, paused to sniff at the flowers, and to express a terse thanks and admiration.

'Ah, bien merci, mademoiselle,' she said, laying her share on the table beside her.
She was not very encouraging about the condition of Althea's wardrobe.
'Elles sont defraichies--demodees--en verite, mademoiselle,' she replied, when Althea asked if many new purchases were necessary.
Althea sighed.

'All the fittings!' 'Il faut souffrir pour etre belle,' said Amelie unsympathetically.
Althea had not dared yet to tell her that she might be going back to America that winter.