"As maid of honor."
"And what is that?"
"Being attached to the queen's person; or what, in your part of the country, would be called a companion!"
"Indeed! And is your father willing to let them use you that way?"
Countess Irma, who was somewhat annoyed by her questions, said:
"I wished to ask you something--can you write?"
"I once could, but I've quite forgotten how."
"Then I've just hit it! that's the very reason for my coming here. Now, whenever you wish to write home, you can dictate your letter to me, and I will write whatever you tell me to."
"I could have done that, too," suggested Mademoiselle Kramer, timidly; "and your ladyship would not have needed to trouble yourself."
"No, the countess will write for me. Shall it be now?"