Book account

About one o'clock the baron, his wife, and Mademoiselle were seated in
the salon, for they dined at three o'clock. The baroness was again
reading the "Quotidienne" to her husband, who was always more awake
before the dinner hour. As she finished a paragraph she heard the
steps of her son on the upper floor, and she dropped the paper,
saying:--
"Calyste must be going to dine again at Les Touches; he has dressed
himself."
"He amuses himself, the dear boy," said the old sister, taking a
silver whistle from her pocket and whistling once.
Mariotte came through the tower and appeared at the door of
communication which was hidden by a silken curtain like the other
doors of the room.
"What is it?" she said; "anything wanted?"
"The chevalier dines at Les Touches; don't cook the fish."
"But we are not sure as yet," said the baroness.
"You seem annoyed, sister; I know it by the tone of your voice."
"Monsieur Grimont has heard some very grave charges against
Mademoiselle des Touches, who for the last year has so changed our
dear Calyste."
"Changed him, how?" asked the baron.


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