Begonia turned to look in the direction of the maid. "Oh!" she exclaimed, jumping on the spot. "I didn't notice you there!" she added breathily. She had to take a second for some deep breaths, holding her hands on the sides of her face. How did she not notice the maid there?

"Yes, yes," she replied, "I think some water would be good. I don't know what's come over me, I feel like my mind is so... foggy!"

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