"Will it bring Trecenito nearer to you, then?" asked Penelophon.
"Yes, it will bring him nearer—very near indeed, Penelophon."
"And you will let me do this little thing?" said the maid.
"Yes," answered Mlle de Tricotrin; "it is you I ask to do it, because I know how you love me."
"Ah!" cried Penelophon, clasping her hands before her mistress, in an attitude of glad devotion; "but I wish it were a great thing you asked of me, and then I could show you indeed how I love you and him."
"Nay, there is no need," said Mlle de Tricotrin, feeling that a choking sensation was coming in her throat. "I know how you love us, and long to see us one; and now I have but a little thing for you to do."
"What must it be, then?"
"Only to take a note to a man who is waiting in the street by the little garden door."
"What, now? to-night? in the dark?" exclaimed Penelophon, her great dark eyes dilating with sudden fear.
"Yes, now. You are not afraid of the dark?"