"No, never shall I forget that it was to M. de Maillefort's revelations that I was indebted for the idea of going to Madame Herbaut's, where I not only learned the truth concerning myself, but where I met the only two really generous and sincere persons that I have known since I lost you, my father, and you, my mother." * * * * * The morning after Madame Herbaut's ball Mlle. de Beaumesnil rang for her governess a little earlier than usual. Madame Laine appeared almost instantly, however. "Did mademoiselle have a comfortable night?" she asked. "Very, my dear Laine but tell me, have you made the inquiries I asked you to last evening, so we may know whether any one suspected our absence." "No one has the slightest suspicion of it, mademoiselle. Madame de la Rochaigue did not send to inquire for you until early this morning." "And you replied?" "That mademoiselle had passed a very comfortable, though slightly restless, night; but that the quiet and rest had benefited mademoiselle very much." "That is all right then, my dear Laine, and now I have another favour to ask of you." "I am at mademoiselle's service; but I am so distressed about what happened at Madame Herbaut's last night," said the governess. "I was in torture the whole evening." "But what happened at Madame Herbaut's?" "Why, mademoiselle was received with such coldness and indifference. It was shameful, for mademoiselle is in the habit of seeing everybody crowd around her as they ought." "As they ought?" "Most assuredly. Mademoiselle knows very well the respect that is due to her position, so last evening I was mortified and incensed beyond expression. 'Ah,' I said to myself,'if you only knew that this young lady you are neglecting is Mlle. de Beaumesnil, you would all be down on your knees in the twinkling of an eye.'" "My dear Laine, let me first set your mind at rest about last evening. I was delighted, and I enjoyed myself so much that I intend to go again next Sunday evening." "What, mademoiselle wishes to go again?" "I shall go, that is decided. Now, another thing. The reception which I met with at Madame Herbaut's, and which scandalises you so deeply, is convincing proof of the discretion I expected from you. I thank you for it, and if you always act in this way I assure you your fortune is made." "But mademoiselle knows that it is not self-interest--that--" "Yet that need not prevent me from rewarding you as you deserve, my dear Laine. And that is not all; I want you to ask Madame Herbaut for the address of one of the young ladies I met last evening. The young lady I mean is called Herminie, and she gives music lessons." "I shall not have to apply to Madame Herbaut for that, mademoiselle, M. le baron's steward knows the address." "What! Our steward knows Mlle. Herminie's address?" exclaimed Ernestine, greatly astonished. "Yes, mademoiselle. They were speaking of the young lady in the office only a few days ago."