I wonder if I might not get it from him ?" "No; he will not part with it; he says he is going to keep it as a talisman.

Only M.Sanson has the privilege of relieving prisoners of their trinkets, and Cambray is still far enough from Sanson's reach! I shall have another portrait painted of Amelie, and send it to you." "But this picture was painted while yet she was an innocent child." "Upon my word, madame, you are as sentimental as a professor's daughter! I begin to fear you will not accomplish your mission--that you will end by falling in love with the man you are to capture for us, and betray us to him." Themire did not say another word, but hurried into her dressing-room.
De Fervlans wrote an order for one hundred and fifty thousand francs for the Countess Themire Dealba for the first six months, added his wishes for a pleasant and successful journey, then returned to the salon, where he gave the missive which had been intrusted to his care to Jocrisse.
Jocrisse placed it on a silver tray, and presented it to the tiny lady of the house.
"Pray allow me, ladies and gentlemen," said the Lilliputian _grande dame_, as she broke the seal, "to read this letter--although I am only just learning the alphabet!" There were a number of persons in the company who understood and enjoyed the concluding words.
The little countess lifted her gold-rimmed lorgnette to her eyes, and read her mother's letter.
She shook her head, shrugged her shoulders, and opened wide her blue eyes.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she proceeded to explain, "mama has been called suddenly away.

She sends her greetings to you" (this was not in the letter, but the little diplomatist thought it best to atone for her mama's neglect) "until she returns, which will be very soon" (this also was a thought of her own).

"I am to fulfil the duties of lady of the house." Then she turned toward De Fervlans, and whispered, holding the lorgnette in front of her lips: "Mama leaves her money-chest in my care"-- adding, with naive sarcasm, "which means that she has left me to battle with her creditors.".