I paused and managed to get a peep at the object of her unusual industry. It was a travelling trunk; large enough to hold a big suggestion for me. I pushed the door open.
"Good-morning, Ernestine. I've come back, you see," I said, smiling.
"Ah, good-morning, Mademoiselle Gilmore. I am glad to see you." Ernestine was very friendly to me. I had bought her goodwill.
"Madame and I have been talking over our arrangements," I said, lightly. "It is all rather sudden. Do you think you will have time to alter that black silk bodice for me before we start?"
"I'm afraid not, mademoiselle. You see every thing has to be packed."
"Of course it has. If I had thought of it, I would have left it out for you before I went, the day before yesterday."
"If I had known I would have asked you for it, mademoiselle. But I had not a hint until this morning."
"Come up and see if we cannot contrive something. A bertha of old lace might do for the time."
I did not wish Madame to catch me in her room, so Ernestine and I went on to mine. We talked dress for a couple of minutes and, as I wished her not to speak of the conversation, I said that as the alteration could not be made, I might as well give her the dress. It was nearly new, and delighted her.
"I suppose you'll be ready in time? You are such a clever packer. But the time is short."