During dinner Esperance was quite exuberant and proposed a hand at trente-et-un as soon as dessert was finished. "After that, we will go to bed very early, to have our best looks ready for to-morrow, will we not, my little lady?" she said, placing her slender hand on the wrinkled fingers of Mlle. Frahender. "My little lady" was the pet name Esperance often gave her.
Maurice was only moderately receptive of the idea of a game of trente-et-un, but after consulting the clock, he was reassured. "By ten o'clock I shall be free."
CHAPTER IX
The next morning Marguerite had some difficulty in waking her young mistress, who was sleeping soundly. Esperance enquired as soon as her own eyes were well opened, what kind of night her chaperone had passed. "Deliciously restful, and you, my dear child, how did you sleep?"
"I never woke once. Oh! what a sun. Have you seen what a glorious day it is?"
"It is the forerunner of good news," Jean cried out from the next room.
"Who knows?" said Esperance.
The telephone at her bedside rung. Marguerite picked up the receiver, and announced dejectedly, "M. Meydieux wishes to speak to Mademoiselle."
"My godfather in Brussels!… You see, Jean, that I was right to doubt your omen."
The young people burst out laughing.