“DROPS THAT TRICKLE AWAY....”
The courtyard bell, on the ground floor of the Baronne Assermann’s
imposing residence in the Faubourg St. Germain, rang loudly, and a
moment later the maid brought in an envelope.
“The gentleman says he has an appointment with madame for four
o’clock.”
Madame Assermann slit the envelope. Taking out a card, she held it
gingerly between her finger-tips, and read: