"Yes, mademoiselle, and this is not at all surprising. In many of the large houses in this neighbourhood there are small private stairways leading up to the sleeping apartments, because in former times the ladies of the court—"
"The ladies of the court?" inquired Ernestine, so naïvely that Madame Laîné's eyes fell before the girl's innocent gaze.
So, fearing that she was going too far, and that she might imperil her recently acquired intimacy with her pupil, Madame Laîné said:
"I don't care to fill mademoiselle's ears with a lot of servants' gossip."
"And you are right. But if this door which leads into the street is condemned, how shall we open it?"
"It is bolted and nailed up on the inside—but mademoiselle needn't worry. I have all night before me, and to-morrow morning I hope to have a good report to make to mademoiselle."
"Very well If you think it necessary, inform your friend, Madame Herbaut, in advance that you will bring a relative with you to-morrow evening."
"I will do so, though it isn't at all necessary. Mademoiselle, if she accompanies me, will be as cordially received as I am. There is very little ceremony among people of that class."
"Very well, it is understood, then. But I repeat once more that I shall expect the utmost caution on your part. Your reward depends upon that."
"Mademoiselle can punish me in any way she pleases if I break my word."