But madam was in a brown study. The change was as unaccountable as it was lovely, and she was deeply troubled and perplexed. What could be the motive for this complete transformation?
The design could not have been robbery, for there lay all their luggage right before them, while her watch and money were snugly tucked beneath her pillow, just where she had placed them before retiring.
The more she strove to solve the mystery, the more puzzled she became.
But she wisely resolved not to excite Dora’s fears, until she saw something actually alarming.
At this moment a servant swept aside the heavy curtain which covered the entrance to the room, and approached. But she suddenly stopped upon seeing that little white-robed fairy who was flitting about the room, and a look of honest admiration settled over her face.
Presently she went forward, and said, in a low, sweet voice:
“Can I assist mademoiselle about her toilet?”
Dora gave a little scream of startled surprise, for she had not heard the girl’s light steps behind her. But seeing that it was not the same maid who had attended them the previous night, she recovered her self-possession, and said:
“How you startled me, my good girl! But never mind. Where did you drop from and what is your name?”
“Nina, at your service; and I came in at the door,” was the reply.