The two girls, radiant with delight, returned to Ernestine's apartments, and, after a daintily served dinner,—which they scarcely touched, so absorbed were they in their new-found joy and happiness,—they retired to Ernestine's chamber, to again talk over the strange vicissitudes of their love affairs and of their friendship.
In about a quarter of an hour they were, to their great regret, interrupted by Madame Laîné, who entered the room after having rapped in a deprecating manner.
"What do you want, my dear Laîné?" asked Ernestine, a trifle impatiently.
"I have a favour to ask of mademoiselle."
"What is it?"
"Mademoiselle is perhaps aware that M. le baron and madame are dining out this evening, and that they will not return home until late."
"Yes, what of it?"
"Mlle. Helena, wishing the servants to profit by the leisure evening monsieur's and madame's absence affords them, secured three loges at the Gaîté Theatre this morning, where they are playing 'The Maccabees,' a drama founded on an episode in Bible history."
"And you, too, wish to go, I suppose, my dear Laîné?"
"If mademoiselle will not need me until it is time for her to retire."