Then, as mademoiselle would not especially need her, would she graciously give her the day? Her sister had just returned from Paris, and would very soon leave the city _en route_ for Washington. Her sister was in the service of Mrs. General Delonne--of course mademoiselle had heard of Madame Delonne; knew her, perhaps. Celine much desired to see this sister, and expected to get some valuable hints from her regarding the very latest French _coiffeurs_, etc., etc. In short, could mademoiselle spare her to-morrow, just for one little day? Mademoiselle, after due deliberation, perhaps in consideration of the new _coiffeurs_, graciously consented. This matter was settled while the dinner toilet of the lady was in progress; and Celine spared no pains to make her mistress satisfied with herself and all about her. "How long had Mr. Percy been in the little parlor, Celine, before I came down?" questioned the lady. She was still a trifle dissatisfied at having found her lover so cosily _tete-a-tete_ with her fascinating sister-in-law. "Oh, a very short time, my lady--I mean mademoiselle." "And how did he meet Mrs. Arthur?" anxiously. "Madame was just entering from the terrace; they met in the hall," glibly. "And did they meet like old friends, Celine?" "Oh, no! mademoiselle; quite formally. At first I fancied he was really displeased at meeting her--but of course mademoiselle knew the reason for that," slyly. "Hush, you foolish girl," said the flattered spinster; "it's all right, of course." And she relapsed into reverie. Miss Arthur had exhausted her patience waiting for her tardy admirer, and, finding her own apartments dull, had come down to the parlor, thus interrupting the interview, to the disgust of more than one of those interested. Mr. Percy had many questions yet to propound to his newly-found wife, as he called her, and she, knowing him so well, felt a trifle more uneasy than was comfortable, wondering what use, if any, he intended to make of the small amount of power he still possessed over her. She must hold another interview with him, and that soon. Meantime, she left him to the tender mercies of the happy spinster. It was late in the evening when she at last found a convenient opportunity, and crossed the hall in the direction of Miss Arthur's dressing-room. She was about to open the door and enter, when her movement was anticipated by Celine, who appeared upon the threshold in hat and shawl. Mrs. Arthur seemed not at all abashed, but pushing the girl back into the room, stepped in herself and closed the door. "You were going out, Celine?" smiling sweetly. "Yes, madame," respectfully. "May I ask where?" "Certainly, madame. I have leave to go and see my sister to-morrow. I am going to telegraph her that she may expect me. Can I serve madame?" Madame pondered a moment. "Celine," she said, abruptly. "Why did you pretend to answer a ring this morning, when your mistress came down to the little parlor?"