Two more measurements need to be taken as Clothilde and I make our way down the hall. My head is lowered and I'm at a loss for words. Then finally Clothilde breaks the silence and turns to me, "I want to go downstairs before we measure the gentlemen. I need to see my Lady at once." I turn red with fear worried that she might report my unrestrainable conduct. "Please don't worry Felice," she says reassuringly while squeezing my hand.
Clothilde rushes down the stairs and I follow her. She heads toward the nursery while I make my toilet. I can hear her hysterical sobs through the wall.
"I hate her so much. She is evil and wretched. I can't do this!" I hear the Lady's hushed soothing voice and eventually Clothildes cries cease. As I'm washing my hands I can't help but notice my visage in the mirror. Who am I? How is it so that I can be so easily coerced into performing vulgar acts. I feel a growing fondness for Clothilde. There are secrets that I'm hopeful she will confide in me about her history with the Mistress. God only knows what damage the Mistress has inflicted on her.
We both make our way upstairs to measure the officers. The door to the other gentleman's room is open so we enter his chambers first. He is sitting at his desk writing intensely in that cryptic leather-bound book. Upon seeing us he quickly shuts it and smiles at us. "What can I help you two pretty maids with today?" he says jovially.
"We are here to take your measurements for your costume," says a much improved Clothilde.
"How exciting! By all means, please get started," he says.
I begin to take his measurements. As I am very close to his desk, I can't help but notice the mess of papers on his bureau all written in queer penmanship. We finish swiftly with him as he is very agreeable.
"Thank you ladies. I hope to see you both at the soiree," he says.
And now the Stranger's room awaits us and I proceed to take some deep breaths before entering his room. He is standing by the window as we enter and gives us both a inquiring look.
"Fraulein, who is this?" he asks.
"This is Clothilde, mein Herr. We are here to take your measurements for the costume party," I answer.