Marie having intrusted her letter to Didon, together with a little present of gloves and shoes, went down to breakfast. Her mother was the first there, and Miss Longestaffe soon followed. That lady, when she found that she was not expected to breakfast with the master of the house, abandoned the idea of having her meal sent to her in her own room. Madame Melmotte she must endure. With Madame Melmotte she had to go out in the carriage every day. Indeed she could only go to those parties to which Madame Melmotte accompanied her. If the London season was to be of any use at all, she must accustom herself to the companionship of Madame Melmotte. The man kept himself very much apart from her. She met him only at dinner, and that not often. Madame Melmotte was very bad; but she was silent, and seemed to understand that her guest was only her guest as a matter of business.

Marie, having entrusted her letter to Didon, together with a little present of gloves and shoes, went down to breakfast. Her mother was there, and Miss Longestaffe soon followed, having resolved to endure Madame Melmotte. She had to go out in the carriage with her every day, and could only go to parties if Madame Melmotte accompanied her. She met Mr. Melmotte only infrequently, at dinner.
