" "I suppose I shall shake it off," said
Madame Goesler; and then she descended the stairs.
The condition of Phineas Finn was almost as bad, but he had a much
less protracted period of anticipation than that with which the lady
was tormented. He was sent up to dress for dinner with the knowledge
that in half an hour he would find himself in the same room with
Madame Goesler. There could be no question of his running away, no
possibility even of his escaping by a headache. But it may be doubted
whether his dismay was not even more than hers. She knew that she
could teach herself to use no other than fitting words; but he was
almost sure that he would break down if he attempted to speak to her.
She would be safe from blushing, but he would assuredly become as
red as a turkey-cock's comb up to the roots of his hair. Her blood
would be under control, but his would be coursing hither and thither
through his veins, so as to make him utterly unable to rule himself.
Nevertheless, he also plucked up his courage and descended, reaching
the drawing-room before Madame Goesler had entered it.
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