“It seems to me,” he said, “that this girl is too much of a child to be in your service.”
“Why so, papa? On the contrary, see how sensible she is! Besides, I tell you that I will train her, and Comtois has had only the best reports of her.”
“All right, if she suits you.—What part of the country do you come from?”
“From Gagny, monsieur,” replied Louise tremulously.
“Gagny? Why, that is very near Paris. Your parents are laboring people, no doubt?”
“Yes—yes, monsieur,” faltered Louise, in an almost unintelligible voice.
“And instead of keeping their daughter at home, they send her out to service in Paris!—However, it seems to be the custom in the country! and still people extol the morals of the rural districts! But you seem modest and respectable, my girl, and I am glad to believe that your conduct will not belie the promise of your face. Besides, I know Comtois, and I rely upon his prudence. Go, go!”
Monsieur de Noirmont motioned to them to leave him; but his daughter ran to him and kissed him; then she hastened from the room with Louise, and closed the door, saying:
“That’s over; I was sure that it would come out all right.”
Young Ernestine next took Louise to a pretty little room which was to be her own. The sweet child made sure that her new maid was provided with everything that she needed, and displayed so much interest in her that Louise, who was deeply touched, thanked heaven for bringing her to that house.