"But madame says these young women are to stay in case you should need them, and this suits all the better as madame dismissed her own maid recently, and these women are to attend her in the meantime."
"That is all very well," responded Ernestine, indifferently.
"Mademoiselle desires nothing?"
"No, I thank you."
"Does mademoiselle find herself comfortable here?"
"Very comfortable."
"The apartments are certainly superb, but there is nothing too good for mademoiselle. Every one says so."
"My good Laîné, you may put out what I shall require for the night," said Ernestine, without paying any attention to the governess's remark. "I can undress without your assistance, but I would like you to wake me a little before eight to-morrow morning."
"Yes, mademoiselle."
Madame Laîné turned as if to leave the room, but as Ernestine opened her desk to write, the governess paused, and said: