_He_ knew of another little maid who had been treated with far greater cruelty.
His reply was brief: "Your little daughter is very charming." The mother sat upright with sudden decision, and unfastened the ivory locket from the black ribbon around her neck.

It contained a portrait of the little countess Amelie.
"If the memory of the little foundling you rescued is dear to you, monsieur, then accept this from me, and think sometimes of your protegee." It was a noble gift indeed! The lovely countess had given him her most valued ornament.
M.Cambray expressed his thanks, pressed his lips to the countess's hand, and kissed the little Amelie, who smilingly lifted her face for the caress.

Then he bowed courteously, and returned to the salon.

He was met at the door by the Marquis de Fervlans, who exclaimed reproachfully: "What, you are going to desert us already?
Then, if you will go, you must allow me to offer you my carriage." He gave his arm to the old gentleman, and conducted him to the vestibule, where, among a number of liveried servants, stood a trim hussar in Swiss uniform.
The marquis ordered the hussar to fetch his carriage, and, when it drew up before the door, himself assisted M.Cambray to enter it.

Then he shook hands cordially with the old gentleman, stepped back to the doorway, and watched the carriage roll swiftly across the square.
* * * * * When the servant Jocrisse had closed the boudoir door behind M.Cambray, the suffering countess sprang lightly from her couch, and pressed her handkerchief to her lips to smother her laughter; the little Amelie, overwhelmed by merriment, buried her face in her mother's skirts; the maid giggled discreetly; while Jocrisse, clasping his rotund stomach with both hands, bent his head toward his knees, and betrayed his suppressed hilarity by his shaking shoulders.