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"But I was there," cried Adèle.

"How very strange," said the other. "So was I. Before your time, of course. You're younger than me."

This very compelling lie she had proved to the hilt and had then gone on to remember my wife's relations and friends. That she made no mistake, Adèle is ready to swear, and since her manners were faultless, not one in a thousand would have perceived any reason for disbelief.

On the following afternoon Daphne, Adèle and Jill had gone to the Plazas' flat. This was a fine apartment, commanding the Arc de Triomphe and breathing good style. Plaza himself was out, but then and there his wife had delivered the master stroke. Daphne had asked them to lunch, but the lady had pleaded engagements they could not break. This was only a flying visit, and just for the moment their time was not their own. They must leave for Vienna on Thursday. On their return, however, if we were still in Paris.... Then, just as the girls were leaving, the Countess had remembered the box--the box which the Count had reserved for a gala performance of Faust on Wednesday night.