"M. de Maillefort's sarcastic allusions in regard to the perfections which I must necessarily possess in my character of heiress have doubtless been repeated to my guardian and his wife by Mlle. Helena, or else some other event, of which I am ignorant, has induced those around me to disclose projects of which I had no previous knowledge or even suspicion, and which have increased my distrust and uneasiness a thousandfold." Mademoiselle was here interrupted in her writing by two cautious raps at her door. Surprised and almost terrified, as in her preoccupation she had forgotten the subject of her late conversation with her governess, the orphan asked, in trembling tones: "Who is it?" "I, mademoiselle," replied Madame Laine's voice. "Come in," said Ernestine, remembering now. "What is the matter?" she asked, as her governess entered. "I have some good news for mademoiselle. My hands are all bloody, you see, but that doesn't matter." "I see," cried Ernestine, greatly alarmed. "What has happened? How did you hurt yourself so? Here, take this handkerchief and stanch the blood." "Oh, it's but a mere scratch, mademoiselle," replied the governess, heroically. "In your service, I would brave death itself." This exaggeration cooled Mlle. de Beaumesnil's compassion very considerably, and she replied: "I believe in your courageous devotion, of course, but pray bind up your hand." "If mademoiselle desires it, of course, but this scratch is of no consequence, for the door is open, mademoiselle. I succeeded in prying out the staples of the padlock, and in removing an iron bar that also secured the door, which opens into the street exactly as I supposed." "You may be sure that I shall reward you, my dear Laine, for this--" "Oh, do not speak of rewarding me, I implore you, mademoiselle. Am I not more than paid in the pleasure of serving you? But mademoiselle will excuse me, I hope, for coming back contrary to her orders, but I was so delighted to have succeeded." "On the contrary I am very grateful for the zeal you have manifested. So you think we can count upon carrying out our plans to-morrow?" "There isn't the slightest doubt of that, now, mademoiselle." "Then have a very simple white dress ready for me to wear to-morrow evening, and as soon as it is dark you and I will go to Madame Herbaut's. And once more let me remind you that I shall expect you to exercise the greatest caution." "Mademoiselle need have no anxiety on that account. Has mademoiselle any further orders?" "No, I only desire to thank you again for your zeal." "Then I will bid mademoiselle good night." "Good night, my dear Laine." The governess left the room and Mlle. de Beaumesnil resumed her writing. CHAPTER XXXIII. THE THREE RIVALS. "In order to fully understand these recent events, it is necessary to review the past, my dear mother," Mlle. de Beaumesnil continued.