"But my reasoning is true, mademoiselle," said Ernestine, encouraged by her success, and anxious to make her companion share her convictions; "besides, the similarity in our situations helps to bring us together. The fact that we are both orphans is surely a bond between us."
"It is indeed," said the duchess, pressing Ernestine's hand affectionately.
"Then you will really grant me your affection some day?"
"A few minutes ago, without even knowing you, I was touched by your painful position," replied Herminie. "Now I feel that I love you because it is so evident that you have a kind and noble heart."
"Oh, if you only knew what pleasure your words give me! I will never prove ungrateful, I swear it, mademoiselle!"
Then as if bethinking herself, she added, "Mademoiselle? It seems to me that it will be very difficult for me to call you that now."
"And equally difficult for me to reply in the same ceremonious way," responded the duchess. "So call me Herminie and I will call you—"
"Ernestine."
"Ernestine," exclaimed Herminie, remembering that this was her sister's name,—the name the Comtesse de Beaumesnil had mentioned several times in the young musician's presence when speaking of her beloved daughter; "you are called Ernestine? You spoke of one bond between us just a moment ago; this is another."
"What do you mean?"