THE PROTECTRESS.
The inspectress soon entered with Goualeuse into the little room where Clémence was staying. The pale cheek of the young girl was still slightly coloured in consequence of her conversation with La Louve.
"Madame la Marquise, pleased with the excellent character I have given of you," said Madame Armand to Fleur-de-Marie, "has desired to see you, and will, perhaps, be so good as to have you released from here before the expiration of your time."
"I thank you, madame," replied Fleur-de-Marie, timidly, to Madame Armand, who left her alone with the marchioness.
The latter, struck by the candid expression of her protégée's features, and by her carriage, so full of grace and modesty, could not help remembering that La Goualeuse had pronounced the name of Rodolph in her sleep, and that the inspectress believed the youthful prisoner to be a prey to deep and hidden love. Although perfectly convinced that it could not be a question as to the Grand Duke Rodolph, Clémence acknowledged to herself that, with regard to beauty, La Goualeuse was worthy of a prince's love.
At the sight of her protectress, whose physiognomy, as we have said, displayed excessive goodness, Fleur-de-Marie felt herself sympathetically attracted towards her.
"My girl," said Clémence to her, "whilst commending the gentleness of your disposition and the discreetness of your behaviour, Madame Armand complains of your want of confidence in her."
Fleur-de-Marie bowed her look, but did not reply.
"The peasant's dress in which you were clad when you were apprehended, your silence on the subject of the place where you resided before you were brought here, prove that you conceal certain particulars from us."
"Madame—"