"I have a letter to write, mademoiselle,--only a few lines, but I am not sure that I shall have the strength to write it. There is no one here that I can ask to do it in my stead. Should it be necessary, would you be willing to act as my secretary?" "With the greatest pleasure, madame," was the ready response. "I thank you for your willingness to oblige me." "Does madame la comtesse wish me to get the necessary writing materials for her?" "A thousand thanks, mademoiselle," replied the poor mother, though she longed to accept her daughter's offer so she might keep her with her as long as possible. "I will ring for some one. I am loath to give you so much trouble." "It is no trouble to me, madame. I will gladly get the necessary materials if you will tell me where to find them." "Over there, on that table near the piano, mademoiselle. I must also ask you to have the goodness to light a candle,--the light from the lamp is not enough. But really I am trespassing entirely too much upon your good nature," added Madame de Beaumesnil, as her daughter lighted a candle and brought the necessary writing materials to the bedside. The countess having taken a sheet of paper and laid it upon a blotting-case placed upon her knees, accepted a pen from the hand of Herminie, who was holding the candle in the other. Madame de Beaumesnil tried to write a few words, but her extreme weakness, together with her failing sight, compelled her to desist from her efforts; the pen dropped from her trembling fingers, and, sinking back upon her pillows, the countess said to Herminie, with a forced smile: "I am not as strong as I thought, so I shall be obliged to accept your kind offer, mademoiselle." "Madame la comtesse has been in bed so long that she should not be surprised to find herself a little weak," responded Herminie, anxious to reassure Madame de Beaumesnil and herself as well. "You are right, mademoiselle. It was very foolish in me to try to write. I will dictate to you, if you have no objections." Herminie had not felt at liberty to remove her hat, and the countess, from whom the brim concealed a part of her child's face, said, with some embarrassment: "If you would take off your hat, mademoiselle, you would find it more convenient to write, I think." Herminie removed her hat, and the countess, who was fairly devouring the girl with her eyes, had an opportunity to admire at her ease, with true maternal pride, the charming face and golden tresses of her child. "I am at your service now, madame la comtesse," said Herminie, seating herself at a table. "Then will you kindly write this." And the countess proceeded to dictate as follows: "Madame de Beaumesnil would be greatly obliged to M. le Marquis de Maillefort if he would come to her house as soon as possible, even should that be at a late hour of the night.