In a few minutes the governess brought the address and Ernestine immediately sat down and wrote as follows:
"My Dear Herminie:—You invited me to come and see your pretty room. I shall come early day after to-morrow—Tuesday, early in the morning, so I may be sure of not interfering in your work. I look forward with delight to seeing you again. I have a thousand things to tell you. With love,
"Your sincere friend,
"Ernestine."
After she had sealed this note, Mlle. de Beaumesnil said to her governess:
"I wish you to post this letter yourself, my dear Laîné."
"Yes, mademoiselle."
"How shall I manage to get out alone with Madame Laîné day after to-morrow?" Ernestine said to herself. "I have no idea, but my heart tells me that I shall see Herminie again!"
CHAPTER V.
A CONSUMING FEVER OF LOVE.
On the morning of the same day that mademoiselle had appointed for her visit to Herminie, Gerald de Senneterre was having a long conversation with Olivier.
The two young men were sitting under the little arbour of which Commander Bernard was so fond.