CHAPTER VII.
ZARA AND PRINCE IVAN.
The sun poured brilliantly into my room when I awoke the next morning.
I was free from all my customary aches and pains, and a delightful sense of vigour and elasticity pervaded my frame.

I rose at once, and, looking at my watch, found to my amazement that it was twelve o'clock in the day! Hastily throwing on my dressing-gown, I rang the bell, and the servant appeared.
"Is it actually mid-day ?" I asked her.

"Why did you not call me ?" The girl smiled apologetically.
"I did knock at mademoiselle's door, but she gave me no answer.

Madame Denise came up also, and entered the room; but seeing mademoiselle in so sound a sleep, she said it was a pity to disturb mademoiselle." Which statement good Madame Denise, toiling upstairs just then with difficulty, she being stout and short of breath, confirmed with many smiling nods of her head.
"Breakfast shall be served at the instant," she said, rubbing her fat hands together; "but to disturb you when you slept--ah, Heaven! the sleep of an infant--I could not do it! I should have been wicked!" I thanked her for her care of me; I could have kissed her, she looked so motherly, and kind, and altogether lovable.

And I felt so merry and well! She and the servant retired to prepare my coffee, and I proceeded to make my toilette.