The mantle of night now draped every
straggling bush, every wilted flower, and the little wilderness was
filled with delicious, pungent night scents.
When they reached the front door L'Ami Fritz stooped down, and began
looking under the mat.
Sylvia smiled in the darkness; there seemed something so primitive, so
simple, in keeping the key of one's front door outside under the mat! And
yet foolish, prejudiced people spoke of Lacville as a dangerous spot, as
the plague pit of Paris.
Suddenly the door was opened by the day-servant. And both the husband and
wife uttered an involuntary exclamation of surprise and displeasure.
"What are you doing here?" asked Madame Wachner harshly. There was a note
of dismay, as well as of anger, in her voice.
The woman began to excuse herself volubly. "I thought I might be of some
use, Madame. I thought I might help you with all the last details."
"There was no necessity--none at all--for doing anything of the kind,"
said her mistress, in a low, quick voice. "You had been paid! You had had
your present! However, as you _are_ here, you may as well lay a third
place in the dining-room, for, as you see, we have brought Madame Bailey
back to have a little supper.
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