Monsieur Gérondif took his leave, and Comtois returned to Louise, who was standing, lost in thought, in the hall; he motioned to her to follow him, led her through a salon, then opened the door of another room, and said, standing in the doorway: “Mademoiselle, this is the lady’s maid I was expecting; she has just arrived.” A voice replied at once from within the room: “Oh! let her come in, show her in at once! I am waiting so impatiently for her!” Comtois let Louise pass him; she stepped forward, trembling and afraid to raise her eyes; but she soon felt reassured when young Ernestine exclaimed: “Oh! how pretty she is! I like her very much!--Come, mademoiselle; don’t be afraid of me; I am not a bit terrible, am I, Comtois? I am not stern, like mamma! But, for all that, mamma’s very kind, and papa too.--What is your name?” “Louise, mademoiselle.” “How old are you?” “Seventeen, mademoiselle.” “Seventeen! Why, how tall you are! and so strong! I am fifteen--I am rather small for fifteen, am I not?” Louise could not help smiling; and as she looked at her who was to be her mistress, she felt a thrill of joy at the aspect of that dainty creature, so like a child, whose sparkling blue eyes were fixed on hers with a kindly expression that instantly dissipated the terror that she had felt on entering. “Am I not very small for fifteen?” repeated Ernestine, after Louise had looked at her. “You still have plenty of time to grow, mademoiselle.” “Oh, yes! that is my only consolation. Have you been in service in Paris before?” “No, mademoiselle, I am just from my village; I have never been in service anywhere, and I have no doubt that I shall be very awkward at first; but I promise to pay close attention to whatever you tell me, so that I may learn quickly and be able to satisfy you sooner.” Young Ernestine began to leap and dance about the room; she seized Louise’s hand and pressed it, crying: “Oh! I like to hear you talk like that! I feel that I shall love you dearly; indeed I love you already. I either like a person instantly, or never! You will like me too, won’t you?” “That cannot be very difficult, mademoiselle, you seem so kind and sweet!” “Ah! I am very happy, Comtois. But has Louise brought her bundle, all her clothes? Can she stay here now?” “Yes, mademoiselle,” said Louise, “I have brought all my clothes and I can stay with you now, if you care to keep me.” “Certainly; I don’t mean to let you go.--Comtois, see that her chamber is prepared--the little one behind mine, you know. Be sure that she has everything that she wants or needs.” “Never fear, mademoiselle.” “At all events, I will go myself to see if everything is all right.--You see,” continued Ernestine with comical gravity, “during mamma’s absence I have to look out for everything and take her place here.--Go, Comtois, and take Louise’s things to her room; meanwhile I will take her to my father. Is he in his study?” “Yes, mademoiselle.”