And a minute afterwards that worthy dame ushered in Olivier, and Herminie found herself alone with Gerald's intimate friend.
CHAPTER VI.
A DELICATE MISSION.
The vague uneasiness which Herminie had felt was greatly increased at the sight of Olivier, for the young man looked unusually grave. The duchess even fancied that he avoided her gaze, as if embarrassed, and this embarrassment on his part was made still more apparent by his silence and evident reluctance to explain the object of his visit.
Herminie was the first to break this silence.
"You wrote, M. Olivier, that you wished to see me about a very important matter," she said, at last.
"Very important, mademoiselle."
"I judge so from your manner. What have you to tell me?"
"It concerns Gerald, mademoiselle."
"Great Heavens! What misfortune has befallen him?" exclaimed the duchess, much frightened.
"None, mademoiselle. I left him only a few minutes ago."