"
"But the Regatta," we interrupted, more interested in that than in the
indiscretions of the widow. "We knew nothing about it, and thought of
leaving you on Saturday. Is it worth staying for?"
"Distinctly," replied Madame Hellard. "All Morlaix turns out for the
occasion: all the world and his wife will be there. It is quite a
pretty scene, and the boats with their white sails look charming. You
must drive down by the river side to the coast, and if the afternoon is
sunny and warm, I promise you that you will not regret prolonging your
stay with us."
[Illustration: INTERIOR OF LE FOLGOET, SHOWING SCREEN.]
This presented a favourable opportunity for a compliment, but at that
moment Catherine's voice was heard in the ascendant; a passage-at-arms
seemed to be in full play above; commotion was the order of the moment;
and Madame rapidly disappeared to the rescue. The compliment was lost
for ever, but a dead calm was the immediate consequence of her presence.
Catherine's authority had been defied, and the daring damsel had to be
threatened with dismissal if it occurred again.
"Ma foi!" cried Catherine, as we met her on the staircase, "a pretty
state of things we should have with two mistresses in the
salle-a-manger! I should feel as much out of my element as a hen that
has hatched duck's eggs, and sees her brood taking to the water."
"And apparently there would be as much clucking and commotion," we slily
observed.
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