mistakes! Ah! there was not a moment to lose! Madame
de Fondege, who was dressed to go out, and who had already sent for a
carriage, insisted that Mademoiselle Marguerite should accompany her.
And certainly, the General's wife deemed the proposal a seductive one.
It is a very fashionable amusement to run from one shop to another,
even when one cannot, or will not, buy. It is a custom, which some
noble ladies have imported from America, to the despair of the poor
shopkeepers. And thus every fine afternoon, the swell shops are filled
to overflowing with richly-attired dames and damsels, who ask to see all
the new goods. It is far more amusing than remaining at home. And when
they return to dinner in the evening, after inspecting hundreds of yards
of silk and satin, they are very well pleased with themselves, for they
have not lost the day. Nor do the shrewdest always return from these
expeditions empty-handed. A dozen gloves or a piece of lace can be
hidden so easily in the folds of a mantle!

And yet, to Madame de Fondege's great surprise, Marguerite declined the
invitation. "I have so many things to put in order," she added, feeling
that an excuse was indispensable.

But Madame Leon, who had not the same reasons as her dear child
for wishing to remain at home, kindly offered her services. She was
acquainted with several of the best shops, she declared, particularly
with the establishment of a dealer in laces, in the Rue de Mulhouse, and
thanks to an introduction from her, Madame de Fondege could not fail to
conclude a very advantageous bargain there. "Very well," replied Madame
de Fondege, "I will take you with me, then; but make haste and dress
while I put on my bonnet."

They left the breakfast-room at the same time, closely followed by
Mademoiselle Marguerite, who was disturbed by a hope which she scarcely
dared confess to herself. With her forehead resting against the wall,
and her eye peering through the tiny crack, she watched her governess
change her dress, throw a shawl over her shoulders, put on her best
bonnet, and, after a glance at the looking-glass, rush from the room,
exclaiming: "Here I am, my dear countess. I'm ready."

And a few moments afterward they left the house together.

As the outer door closed after them, Marguerite's brain whirled. If she
were not deceived, Madame Leon had left the key of the drawers in the
pocket of the dress she had just taken off. So it was with a wildly
throbbing heart