"Yes, and it is terrible for one to see oneself nearing the end of one's resources, no matter how willing to work and how courageous one may be," replied Herminie, sadly. "And it is for this very reason that I will do everything in my power to spare you such misery as that, my poor Ernestine. But tell me, where do you live? I will call and see you sometime when I am out giving lessons, that is, if it is not too far out of my way, for I have to be very saving of my time." Mlle. de Beaumesnil's embarrassment was very great, and it was still farther augmented by the painful necessity of being compelled to utter a falsehood, so it was with no little hesitation that she replied: "I should be very glad to see you, my dear Herminie, but--but my relative--" "Poor child, I understand," said Herminie, quickly, unconsciously coming to Ernestine's assistance. "You are not in your own home, of course, and your relative makes you painfully conscious of the fact, sometimes, perhaps." "That is it exactly," said Mlle. de Beaumesnil, delighted with this excuse. "My relative is not bad at heart, but so peevish, and such a grumbler. I don't believe there was ever another such grumbler in the world," she added, smiling. "That is enough for me," exclaimed Herminie, laughing in her turn. "If she's a grumbler, she'll never have a visit from me. The only way out of the difficulty, Ernestine, is for you to come and see me whenever you have time." "I was just going to ask you to grant me that privilege." "Yes, yes, you shall come and see how pretty my room is," said the duchess. Then remembering that her new friend was not as comfortably housed, Herminie added: "When I say that, I don't really mean it. My room is really very unpretentious." But Ernestine understood Herminie's disposition and character pretty well already, so she said, smiling: "Be honest, Herminie." "About what?" "Your room is charming, and you only retracted your words because you thought I would feel badly because I hadn't a room as pretty as yours." "Do you know, Ernestine, that you would be a very dangerous person to have around if any one had a secret, for you seem to divine everything." "I was sure of it! Your room is charming. How I shall enjoy seeing it." "You must not say how I shall enjoy seeing it. You must say, 'Herminie, I am coming to take a glass of milk with you some morning, soon.'" "Oh, I'll say that with all the pleasure in life." "And I accept your offer with equal pleasure. Only when you come, Ernestine, don't let it be any later than nine o'clock, for I begin my round of lessons at ten. And now what day will you come?" Mlle. de Beaumesnil was rescued from this embarrassing situation by Providence in the shape of a handsome non-commissioned officer of hussars, who was no other than Olivier.