“I do not, for she learn so fast; and ven I haf vonce taken her through ze maison and she know ze duties, you vill be surprised at ze ease she do zem. Besides, ze grand sing ees ze buying, and I vill do zat until she sall haf learned. Je vous le promets a treasure in Elsie, and you vill nevair be sorry zat Lizzette Minaud say so.”
“I never have been sorry that I took any advice of yours. But how do you know your marvel will accept?”
“Nous verrons! Elsie!” called Lizzette, stepping to the kitchen door. “Sit down,” she added, as Elsie presented herself. “Madam Mason haf ze offer to make to you,” and thereupon Lizzette detailed the proposition that had just been under discussion.
Elsie’s eyes grew big with wonder as she listened to Lizzette. “I am afraid I am not equal to it,” she faltered.
“Lizzette vouches for you,” said Mrs. Mason. “I have always found her advice good.”
Elsie did not answer at once. A tide of thought was sweeping over her. The opportunity was like a tale from fairy land in the riches it seemed to offer; but how could she live under the domination of that supercilious woman she knew she should hate? But Margaret, Gilbert, Antoine—how much she could do for all of them! Courage! Now was the time to prove herself. The way had been opened; there could not be, must not be any shrinking back.
“Very well,” she answered simply. “I am willing to make the trial.”
“To-morrow, then,” said Mrs. Mason, rising, “you will begin under Lizzette’s management. She knows my house as well as her own. At ten o’clock in the morning I shall be prepared to receive you. Good-evening, Lizzette and—Elsie.”
With a scarcely perceptible nod Mrs. Mason hastened out to her carriage. When the door had closed Lizzette grasped Elsie by the shoulders and began an impromptu chaussée up and down the room.
“C’est très-bon! C’est très-bon!” she cried. “I prove ze sharper zat time; mais, le defaut ees in ze grand cause of humanity.”