Ernestine led the way through her mother’s bedroom, then through another smaller room, and knocked at a door, saying:
And Monsieur de Noirmont’s sharp voice replied:
The pretty minx opened the door of her father’s study, passed her head only through the opening, and said:
“Are you busy? I have come to introduce someone.”
“A new lady’s maid who has been engaged for me, and who has just arrived.”
“The idea of disturbing me for a lady’s maid! What have I to do with such matters? Really, Ernestine, you wear out my patience.”
“Oh! don’t be cross with me, papa! But as mamma is away, you must see my new maid; I can’t manage the house all alone!”
“Well! bring her in,” rejoined Monsieur de Noirmont in a gentler tone; “where is she? let us have it over.”
Ernestine led Louise into the room; the girl cast down her eyes, and felt that she was trembling, for Monsieur de Noirmont’s voice was far from being as sweet as his daughter’s.
After scrutinizing for some time the village maid who stood before him, Monsieur de Noirmont asked her:
Before Louise could reply, little Ernestine exclaimed:
“She is seventeen; isn’t she very tall for her age, papa? and isn’t she lovely? I like her so much! Her name is Louise; she has never been in service, but I am glad of that, because I can train her according to my ideas.”
Monsieur de Noirmont with difficulty restrained a smile, provoked by his daughter’s speech.
“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!”