It was evident that Madame Danglars was suffering from that nervous irritability which women frequently cannot account for even to themselves; or that, as Debray had guessed, she had experienced some secret agitation that she would not acknowledge to any one. Being a man who knew that the former of these symptoms was one of the elements of female life, he did not then press his inquiries, but waited for a more appropriate opportunity when he should again interrogate her, or receive an avowal proprio motu.
At the door of her apartment the baroness met Mademoiselle Cornelie, her confidential lady's maid.
"What is my daughter doing?" asked Madame Danglars.
"She practiced all the evening, and then went to bed," replied Mademoiselle Cornelie.
"Yet I think I hear her piano."
"It is Mademoiselle Louise d'Armilly, who is playing while Mademoiselle Danglars is in bed."
"Well," said Madame Danglars, "come and undress me."
They entered the bedroom. Debray stretched himself upon a large couch, and Madame Danglars passed into her dressing-room with Mademoiselle Cornélie.
"My dear M. Lucien," said Madame Danglars, through the door, "you are always complaining that Eugenie will not address a word to you."
"Madame," said Lucien, playing with a little dog, who, recognizing him as a friend of the house, expected to be caressed, "I am not the only one who makes similar complaints; I think I heard Morcerf say that he could not extract a word from his fiancee"
"True," said Madame Danglars, "but yet I think this will all pass off, and that you will one day see her enter your study."
"My study!"
"At least that of the minister."
"Why so?"
"To ask for an engagement at the Opera. Really, I never saw such an infatuation for music; it is quite ridiculous for a young lady of fashion."
Debray smiled. "Well," said he, "let her come, with your consent and that of the baron, and we will try and give her an engagement, though we are very poor to pay such talent as hers."
"Go, Cornélie," said Madame Danglars, "I do not require you any longer."
Cornélie obeyed; and the next minute Madame Danglars left her room in a charming loose dress, and came and sat down close to
