"You treat me as if--I were a spy!" angrily. "I don't wish to do that," returned the woman in a constrained tone. "But now, after so many years of service with her ladyship! And her mother, the former lady of the Mount! If I should incur the Governor's displeasure--" the words died away. "If I can be of any help to you, if you need assistance--money--" "Money!" Nanette's derisive laugh rang out; was suddenly hushed by the tinkling of a bell! "Her ladyship!" For a few moments the Governor's daughter, now standing in the center of her apartment, heard no sound from the other room; then a timid footstep approaching the door was followed by an indecisive rap. "Your Ladyship rang?" inquired Marie, turning a half-guilty glance on her mistress. "Yes! Did I hear voices, as I came in?" "Did your Ladyship? I mean, I was going to speak to your Ladyship. It's my niece!" suddenly. "On her way to Paris!" "Your niece!" The Governor's daughter looked at the other. "And you--are pleased?" "Your Ladyship--" The woman flushed. "Of course, though, you must be! She is out there? Show her in!" quickly. "But--" "At once!" "Very well, my Lady!" Marie's manner, however, was depressed, as, stepping to the threshold, reluctantly she beckoned. Erect, with mien almost antagonistic, Nanette entered and stood before the Lady Elise. The latter did not at once speak; for a few moments the observant brown eyes passed in quick scrutiny over her visitor; noting the aggressive brows; the broad, strong face; the self-assertive pose of the well-developed figure. A woman to do--to dare!--What? [Illustration: "A woman to do--to dare!"] "You wished to see me?" Nanette first spoke. Marie lifted an expostulatory hand. What bad manners, thus to dare! But my lady did not seem to notice. "You are from one of the islands?" she began. "Yes." "Say 'my Lady'!" broke in the old nurse. "I trust your Ladyship will pardon--" "Never mind, Marie!" with a quick gesture. "Your aunt tells me you are on your way to Paris?" "Yes--my Lady!" with the slightest hesitation before the last two words. "To seek a situation as lady's maid!" "When are you leaving?" "To-morrow morning, your Ladyship!" interposed Marie quickly. "So soon?" My lady continued to address the girl. "You have had experience?" "No, my Lady!" "Then how can you secure what you wish?" "How? At least, I can try!" "To be sure! You can try." My lady's eyes fell; she seemed to be thinking. "Still, it may be difficult; Paris is far away. And if you should fail," her fingers tapped nervously on the chair, "we are very busy at the Mount just now," she added suddenly, directing her glance full upon the other, "and there may be something here--" "Here! Your Ladyship will keep me here!" Marie made a movement as if to speak, but her niece intercepted her. "I will do my best, my Lady!" "Very well! Then shall you have a trial!" "Your Ladyship!" interposed Marie.