Chapter TwoThe Duchesse sat thinking in silence until she suddenly said,
“I want you, Felicita, to go back now to your lodgings and have something to eat. I can see that that you have been starving yourself and that is not becoming.”
Felicita blushed and responded,
“It has – been very – difficult for me – madame.”
“That I can well understand,” the Duchesse replied, “but now you are going to feel rich. I have a plan for you, which I will tell you about later. So do as I say and now go back into the house.”
She then opened her handbag and then took out a large number of Portuguese escudos, which she pushed into Felicita’s hands.
She stared at them incredulously.
Then she exclaimed,
“This is – too much, madame.”
“It is for the beautiful embroidery you have done and also for the other
