I napped but sporadically. The maid brought news of the good Doctor being in the parlour so I arose and made  myself acceptable, tucking a square of lace in my bodice.<br/><br/>He was pacing the floor, smelling the flowers that had been newly displayed.<br/><br/>"Doctor Samuels, how lovely to see you." I said, genteely extending my hand.<br/><br/>"Lovelier, still, Madame Annalise," he said, bending over my knuckles to brush his walrus mustache over my skin.<br/><br/>"It is rather early in the day for service," I commented, "but I can have one of the girls attend you." I reached for the bell.<br/><br/>"No, madame," he stopped me with an upraised hand. "I heard you lost one of your girls and I have come to offer my condolences and my protection."<br/><br/>"Thank you, sir," I said with perfect grace, hiding my reaction to his offer. "As you know, Gustav lives in and as long as my girls stay indoors, they should be safe enough. I screen their visitors and so far, only girls on the streets have been harmed."<br/><br/>He stiffened but bowed. "As you wish, madame, but I am ever your servant." He retrieved his hat and cane and quickly exited.