She was silenced for a moment, and then took a purse from the bosom of her dress.
“Will you keep this for me,” she asked, “and use it when there is need? ’Tis what I brought from home with me, my sweetmeat money.”
“Impossible,” I protested. “Keep your money, Mademoiselle.”
She looked at me a moment with quivering lips.
“That is not like my brother,” she said at last. “My brother would understand that I do not wish to be a burden to him. At least, he would consent to keep it for me, for fear that I might lose it.”
I reached out, took the purse, and placed it carefully in my bosom.
“When you wish it again, you have only to ask for it, Nanette,” I said.
“That is better,” and her face cleared. “And now, Pierre, what shall I do while you are conferring with my uncle?”
“I think it will be best for you to remain in my room,” I answered, after a moment’s thought. “I will return there at once, so soon as I have seen him, and if I am unsuccessful we can set about securing that cottage I mentioned a moment ago.”
“Very well,” she said sedately. “And I assure you that I shall not be idle. I saw some clothing in your room this morning that was oh, so badly in need of repair. I intend to make you a good sister, Pierre.”