Just then a loud ring of the door-bell attracted Herminie's attention and prevented her from noticing Mlle. de Beaumesnil's astonishment. The latter arose from the bed at the sound, while Herminie, greatly annoyed by this interruption, directed her steps towards the door.
An elderly serving man handed her a note containing these words:
"I have not seen you for several days, my dear child, not having felt as well as usual. Can you see me this morning?
Most affectionately yours,
"Maillefort.
"P.S.—Do not take the trouble to answer in writing. If you will see your old friend, simply say 'yes' to the bearer."
Herminie, in her grief, was inclined to find some excuse for deferring M. de Maillefort's visit, but remembering that the marquis, belonging to the aristocracy as he did, was doubtless acquainted with Gerald, and that she might obtain some more definite information concerning her lover without revealing her secret, she said to the servant:
"I shall expect to see M. le Marquis de Maillefort sometime during the day."
But as she returned to the room where Mlle. de Beaumesnil was awaiting her, Herminie said to herself:
"What if M. de Maillefort should come while Ernestine is here? Oh, well, it will not matter much, after all, if she does see him; besides, the dear child is so retiring that, as soon as a stranger comes, she is sure to leave me alone with him."
So Herminie continued her conversation with Mlle. de Beaumesnil without making any allusion to M. de Maillefort's approaching visit, for fear that Ernestine would leave sooner than she had intended.