“What is it, Miss Verbena?” inquired Mrs. Greyne, with a kindly English accent, calculated to set any poor French creature quite at ease.

Mademoiselle Verbena trembled more.

“I have received bad news, madame.”

“I grieve to hear it. Of what nature?”

“Mamma has une bronchite très grave.”

“A what, Miss Verbena?”

“Pardon, madame. A very grave bronchitis. She cries for me.”

“Indeed!”

“The doctors say she will die.”

“This is very sad.”