The Baron de la Rochaigue acted as chief mourner. M. de Maillefort, invited by letter to take part in the ceremonial, joined the funeral cortege. In an obscure corner of the church, kneeling as if crushed by the weight of her despair, a young girl prayed and sobbed, unheeded by any one. It was Herminie. CHAPTER XII. A VAIN INTERVIEW. Several days after Madame de Beaumesnil's funeral, M. de Maillefort, arousing himself from the gloomy lethargy into which the death of the countess had plunged him, resolved to carry out that unfortunate lady's last wishes in regard to the unknown orphan, though he fully realised all the difficulties of the mission intrusted to him. How should he go to work to find the young girl whom Madame de Beaumesnil had so urgently commended to his care? To whom could he apply for information that would give him the necessary clue to her identity? Above all, how could he secure this information without compromising Madame de Beaumesnil's good name and the secrecy with which she had wished him to carry out her intentions with regard to this mysterious daughter,--her illegitimate child, as M. de Maillefort could no longer doubt. The hunchback recollected that on the evening of her death the countess had sent a confidential servant to beg him to come to the Hotel de Beaumesnil without delay. "This woman has been in Madame de Beaumesnil's service a long time," thought the marquis. "She may be able to give me some information." So M. de Maillefort's valet, a trustworthy and devoted man, was sent to bring Madame Dupont to the house of the marquis. "I know how devotedly you were attached to your mistress, my dear Madame Dupont," the marquis began. "Ah, monsieur, madame la comtesse was so good and kind!" exclaimed Madame Dupont, bursting into tears. "How could one help being devoted to her in life and in death?" "It is because I am so sure of this devotion, as well as of your respect for the memory of your deceased mistress, that I requested you to come to my house, my dear Madame Dupont. I wish to speak to you on a very delicate subject." "I am listening, M. le marquis." "The proof of confidence which Madame de Beaumesnil gave by sending for me just before her death must convince you that any questions I may put to you are of an almost sacred nature, so I can safely count upon your frankness and discretion." "You can, indeed, M. le marquis." "I am sure of it. Now the state of affairs is just this: Madame de Beaumesnil has for a long time, as nearly as I can learn,--at the request of a friend,--taken charge of a young orphan girl who, by the death of her protectress, is now deprived of the means of support. I am ignorant of this young girl's name, as well as of her place of residence, and I am anxious to ascertain both as soon as possible. Can you give me any information on the subject?" "A young orphan girl?" repeated Madame Dupont, thoughtfully. "Yes."