"You have been so kind to me, Madame, I cannot express my thanks," and then she glided from the room.
The moment she reached the street she set off at the top of her speed to rejoin the other children. She knew how impatiently they would be awaiting her return, particularly as the question of food for themselves and their animals hung upon her success.
Cæsar was the first to catch sight of her, and one glimpse of her radiant countenance was enough to tell him that all was well.
"You have obtained the permission, haven't you, Nadine?" he cried, so soon as she came within hearing.
"Yes, Cæsar," she panted joyfully. "It's all right, and we can give a performance this evening, when we must do our very best, for we are going to have some important people present;" and the other two having joined them she proceeded to tell them all about her good fortune at the Mayor's house, and the kindness of Madame Pradère.
They listened with sparkling eyes and many exclamations of wonder and delight. Nadine certainly had a keenly interested and appreciative audience.
"And now, Cæsar," she concluded, "you must go to the market and buy some nice fresh hay for Nalla and Steady."
"But that will take our last cent, and what about our own food?" protested Cæsar, who had the sharp appetite of a growing boy.
"Oh! we'll just have to wait," replied Nadine decisively. "But Nalla and Steady must be attended to."
As she spoke Nalla moved towards his young mistress, and caressed her with his pliant trunk, making at the same time a curious deep sound that somewhat resembled the purring of a giant cat.