"This innocent child has been placed in our way by Providence; by aiding her we may accomplish more easily the task we have undertaken." "I understand," assented the elder; "we can accomplish two good deeds at one and the same time.

Allow me to go up-stairs first; while you are locking the door I will arrange matters up there so that you may bring this poor little half-frozen creature directly with you." Then, to the child: "Don't be afraid, little countess; nothing shall harm you.
To-morrow morning perhaps you will remember your mama's name, or else she will send some one in search of you." He opened the door, and ran hastily up the worn staircase.
When the young man, with the little girl in his arms, reached the door at the head of the stairs, his companion met him, and, with a meaning glance, announced that everything was ready for the reception of their small guest.

They entered a dingy anteroom, which led, through heavily curved antique sliding-doors, into a vaulted saloon hung with faded tapestry.
Here the child exhibited the first signs of alarm.

"Are you going to kill me ?" she cried out in terror.
The old gentleman laughed merrily, and said: "Why, surely you don't take us to be _croquemitaines_ who devour little children; do you ?" "Have you got a little girl of your own ?" queried the little one, suddenly.
"No, my dear," replied the old gentleman, visibly affected by the question.

"I have no wife; therefore I cannot have a little girl." "But my mama has no husband, and she 's got me," prattled the child.
"That is different, my dear.