"I have a favour to ask of mademoiselle."
"What is it?"
"I should be very grateful to mademoiselle if she would have the goodness to spare me a couple of hours to-morrow, or the day after, to go and see a relative of mine, Madame Herbaut, who lives in the Batignolles."
"Very well, go to-morrow morning, while I am at church."
"I thank mademoiselle for her kindness."
"Good-night, my good Laîné," said Ernestine, thus dismissing her governess, who seemed inclined to continue the conversation.
This interview gives a pretty correct idea of the relations that existed between Mlle. de Beaumesnil and Madame Laîné.
The latter had often endeavoured to establish herself on a more familiar footing with her young mistress, but at the very first effort in this direction Mlle. de Beaumesnil always put an end to the conversation, not haughtily nor curtly, but by giving some order in a kindly way.
After Madame Laîné's departure, Ernestine remained lost in thought for some time; then, seating herself at the table, on which her desk had been placed, she opened it and took out a small book bound in Russia leather, the first leaves of which were already filled.
The history of this book was simple but touching.