"Esteem!" responded the mulatto with an expression of ironical contempt so unequivocally displayed, that M. de Brévannes, perceiving his error, returned his purse into his pocket, saying, "I believe I have the pleasure of speaking to the young person acting as companion to the Princess de Hansfeld?" "You are perfectly correct, sir?" "May I ask whether you have held that situation long?" "Very long." "Doubtless ever since her journey to Florence, whither she went in company with her aunt?" "You are right." "The female I sent to speak to you has, I presume, acquainted you with the fact of my having matters of the utmost importance to communicate to the princess?" "She stated as much to me." "Have you acquainted Madame de Hansfeld with the visits of this person, or with the interview you have been kind enough to grant me?" "I have not." "And, no doubt, you have observed equal silence as regards the prince?" "I never converse with his excellency." "Your motive in meeting rare, therefore, this evening, was merely----" "To ascertain what you had to communicate to my mistress, and to apprise her of it if I should deem it advisable." "You are so extremely young, that I can scarcely judge how far you may be in the confidence of Madame de Hansfeld." "Your best way to prevent any error on your part will be to apply to the princess herself." "The very thing I was going to ask you to assist me in doing. Put me in the way of seeing and speaking to the princess: that is all I desire." "That permission must be accorded by my mistress herself." "Whatever price you may set on this service, I am prepared to pay it." "I can do nothing without the knowledge and concurrence of the princess." "Give her this letter." "Impossible." "There is nothing in it at all objectionable. I have merely said, that having matters of the deepest importance to communicate to her, I venture to implore the favour of being instructed how to convey a letter into her hands without fear of its being intercepted." "Then your letter is useless for the present. I will repeat to her what you say; and if she thinks proper to grant your request, I will let you know. What is your name and address?" "My name is Charles de Brévannes: here is my card. You understand me; do you not? Remember Charles de Brévannes." "I shall remember." "Is that name quite unknown to you?" "Quite." "Has Madame de Hansfeld never pronounced it in your hearing?" "Never." Irritated by the reserve maintained by the mulatto, M. de Brévannes determined to try a fresh mode of attack. "My dear girl," said he, "it is useless for me to attempt concealing any thing from you. 'Tis true I have most interesting communications to make to Madame de Hansfeld; but," added he, with an insinuating tone of voice and almost tenderness of manner, "I have something equally important to say to you also." "To me?"