At half-past noon, Madame Danglars ordered her horses and left home in her carriage. She headed toward the wealthy district on the Left Bank, taking a winding route through narrow streets before stopping at a covered passage.
She stepped out, dressed simply, the kind of understated elegance a woman of taste would wear for morning errands. After walking through the passage, she hailed a cab and gave the driver an address in the legal district.
Once seated inside, she pulled a thick black veil from her pocket and tied it over her straw hat. Checking herself in a small compact mirror, she was satisfied. Only her pale complexion and bright eyes were visible now.
The cab crossed the bridge and entered the street she'd requested. She paid the driver as soon as they arrived, then quickly climbed the courthouse steps.
