"Oh, willingly!" cried the young girl, clapping her hands with joy.
Then, ashamed at having allowed herself to give way to a thoughtless movement, she lowered her eyes, and concealed in the bosom of her mother her charming face, suffused with tears.
"My daughter has answered you for herself and for me, Sir," said the marchioness, proudly.
"I thank you for this confidence, of which I shall try to prove myself worthy, Madame; only I want a few days to prepare everything. I have only with me one man on whom I can rely, and I must act with the greatest prudence."
"That is right, Sir; but what do you mean by a few days?"
"Three at the least—four at the most."
"Well, we will wait. Now, can you explain to us what is the plan you have adopted?"
"I do not know it myself, Madame. I find myself in a country which is totally unknown to me, and in which I naturally want the commonest experience. I must trust to the direction of the servant of whom I have had the honour to speak to you."
"Are you quite sure of this man, Sir? Pardon me for saying this, but you know one word might ruin us."
"I am as sure of the person in question as one man can be of another. It is he who has furnished me with the means of appearing before you without awakening suspicion. I rely not only on his devotion, but also on his skill, on his courage, and especially on his experience."