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"You must have been indisposed longer than to-day I am sure, madam?" said Madeline.
The Countess acknowledged she was right in thinking so.
"And why, madam (said Madeline), did you permit your servant to deceive me last night by saying you were well?"
"I did not wish to give you pain while it was possible to avoid doing so," answered the Countess.
"Ah, madam (said Madeline, with an involuntary sigh), pain is doubly great when not expected."
Madam Chatteneuf and her daughter now entered, and both, by their words and looks, expressed their regret for the illness of the Countess. The former tenderly reproached her for not having immediately acquainted them of it.
