"Why, my little wood-flower, what could have brought you here to-night?" she exclaimed.
The child sidled up to her godmother and did not answer at first, but there was that in her eye which at once led to suspicion that everything was not right. Her very presence there at such an hour was the indication of an unusual event, for Pauline knew that Blanche had never passed a night out of Batoche's cabin.
"Are you alone, my dear?" she asked.
"Oh no, godmother, grandfather is with me."
"Where?"
"Down stairs."
"And is any one with him?"
"Yes, M. Belmont is with him. He came to see M. Belmont."
These words somewhat reassured Pauline. She knew that Batoche seldom, if ever, came to the city, but probably the circumstances of the time forced him to do so this night, and he had carried his granddaughter with him in case he should have to tarry too long. She, therefore, proceeded to unfasten the child's hood and cloak.
"Come to the fire," she said, "and warm yourself, while I get you some cakes and sweets from the cup-board."