Exit a Dictator by E. Phillips Oppenheim

Moura, dark, heavy-browed, sullen, stood in front of her mistress, a confection of black lace upon her arm.

"Madame should permit me to conclude her toilette," she urged. "It is useless to remain half-clothed. Monsieur may return at any moment. You heard what he said, Madame. It was only a brief visit of adieu to an old friend."