‘Yes, I sold it, and sold it well. No one, I venture to think, could have done better. But from today, Jeanne, Numéro cinq Rue de Roi has ceased to exist as far as we are concerned, in fact it never has existed. And Madame Bleuet is dead too.’

Is that why you have changed your hair, Madame?’ Jeanne asked.

‘Exactly!’ Emilie said, looking again at her reflection in the mirror. ‘My hair is grey, as God intended it to be! It ages me, Jeanne, but there is no reason now for me to look young or attractive. Indeed, I have other plans, quite different plans. I am going to be a Countess, Jeanne – Madame La Comtesse. It sounds well, doesn’t it? That is what I intend to be from today and you must not forget it.’

Mon Dieu! But, I, how can you? I mean – ’

‘Listen, Jeanne, and do not interrupt. We have very little time. In a short while Mademoiselle will be awake and our story must be clear. I am Madame la Comtesse. I have married and been widowed. You must remember, Jeanne, that Mademoiselle did not know of Monsieur Bleuet. I never told her about him. When I visited the Convent, I went there as Mademoiselle Riguad. I communicated both with the Nuns and with Mademoiselle in the same manner. It was safer from every point of view and now I am thankful I was so cautious.

‘Now for your part – a few days ago as I was passing down the Rue de Madeleine I saw some baggage for sale in a shop window. It was a poor shop which sells shop soiled or second hand articles. There was quite a quantity of luggage, Jeanne, of good solid leather and stamped with a coronet. You will go this morning and buy it for me. It will lend support to my story.’

‘Luggage, Madame? Then you intend to go away?’

‘Yes, Jeanne, I am leaving here and you – are coming with us – with Mademoiselle and myself. I told you the past was dead, the future begins.’

‘But where are we going, Madame? And why this pretence?’

‘I shall not tell you all my secrets, Jeanne. I have never done that, have I? I prefer to work alone, for it is wiser that way. I have only myself to blame if things go wrong, but this time they will not go wrong, they will succeed! For eighteen years I have planned for this moment and worked for it. Yes, worked hard! All I have done has been for this.’

Emilie’s voice seemed almost to hiss the words. Her eyes were mere slits in her bloodless face. Then with a sudden change of expression she threw out her hands.

‘Do not look so bewildered, Jeanne. You have but to trust me. Hurry and buy the luggage, for we shall need it. Then there are my clothes to be seen to, most of the gowns are useless.’