"Perhaps it would be as well."
"You treat me as if—I were a spy!" angrily.
"I don't wish to do that," returned the woman in a constrained tone. "But now, after so many years of service with her ladyship! And her mother, the former lady of the Mount! If I should incur the Governor's displeasure—" the words died away. "If I can be of any help to you, if you need assistance—money—"
"Money!" Nanette's derisive laugh rang out; was suddenly hushed by the tinkling of a bell!
"Her ladyship!"
For a few moments the Governor's daughter, now standing in the center of her apartment, heard no sound from the other room; then a timid footstep approaching the door was followed by an indecisive rap.
"Your Ladyship rang?" inquired Marie, turning a half-guilty glance on her mistress.
"Yes! Did I hear voices, as I came in?"
"Did your Ladyship? I mean, I was going to speak to your Ladyship. It's my niece!" suddenly. "On her way to Paris!"
"Your niece!" The Governor's daughter looked at the other. "And you—are pleased?"