"But mademoiselle knows that it is not self-interest—that—"
"Yet that need not prevent me from rewarding you as you deserve, my dear Laîné. And that is not all; I want you to ask Madame Herbaut for the address of one of the young ladies I met last evening. The young lady I mean is called Herminie, and she gives music lessons."
"I shall not have to apply to Madame Herbaut for that, mademoiselle, M. le baron's steward knows the address."
"What! Our steward knows Mlle. Herminie's address?" exclaimed Ernestine, greatly astonished.
"Yes, mademoiselle. They were speaking of the young lady in the office only a few days ago."
"Of Mlle. Herminie?"
"Yes, mademoiselle. It was in relation to a five hundred franc note that she returned to the baroness. Louis, one of the footmen, heard the whole conversation through the door of the reception-room."
"Madame de la Rochaiguë knows Herminie?" cried Ernestine, whose surprise and curiosity were increased by each word the governess uttered. "And what is this about a five hundred franc note?"
"Why, it seems that this honest young girl—I told you that Madame Herbaut was exceedingly particular in the selection of her guests—this honest young girl returned the five hundred francs because she said she had already been paid by the countess."
"What countess?"