im, but as this other man might take his place after he
is better (that is, if he does get better), M. Fabry and M. Mombleux have
taken charge of the work, so that he will be sure to have his job when he's
up again. But now M. Fabry has been sent away to Scotland and M. Mombleux
is in a fix, because, although he can read German all right, he's not much
on English. If the writing isn't very clear he can't make out the letters
at all. I heard him saying so at the table when I was waiting on them. So I
thought I'd tell him that you can speak English just as good as you can
French."

"I spoke French with my father, and English with my mother," said
Perrine, "and when we were all three talking together we spoke sometimes
one, sometimes the other, mixing two languages without paying
attention."

"I wasn't sure whether I should say anything about you or not, but now I
will, if you like."

"Why, yes; do, if you think a poor girl like me could be of any use to
them."

"'Tain't a question of being a poor girl or a young lady; it's a
question of knowing English," said Rosalie.

"I speak it, but to translate a business letter is another thing," said
Perrine, doubtfully.

"It'll be all right with M. Mombleux; he knows the business part."

"Well, then, tell him I shall be very pleased if I can do anything for
M. Bendit."

"I'll tell him."

The perch, although a large one, had all been eaten, and all the
watercress had disappeared. It was now time for the dessert. Perrine got
up and replaced the fish plates with smaller leaf plates in the shape of
a cup; she had picked the prettiest, with variegated shades, and marked
as exquisitely as enameled ware. Then she offered her guest the
gooseberries.

"Let me offer you some fruit from my own garden," she said, laughing, as
though she were playing at keeping doll's house.

"Where is your garden?"

"Over your head. There is a gooseberry bush growing in the branches of
this willow tree which holds up the cabin, so it seems."

"You know you won't be able to live in here much longer," said Rosalie.

"Until the winter, I think."

"Until winter! Why, the bird catchers will need this place pretty soon;
that I'm sure."

"Oh! ... Oh, dear ... Oh, dear!"

The day, which had begun so brightly for Perrine, ended sadly. That
night was certainly the worst Perrine had passed since she had been on
her little island.

Where should she go?

And all her utensils that she had taken su