She needs companionship of her own age." Jeanne pricked up her ears at this, and glanced at her mother inquiringly.

Instantly there started into her mind Marcelline's prophecy about her wish.
"The naughty little Marcelline!" she thought to herself.

"She has been tricking me.

I believe she knew something was going to happen.

Mamma, my dear mamma!" she cried, eagerly but respectfully, "have you something to tell me?
Have you had letters, mamma, from the country, where the little cousin lives ?" Jeanne's mother softly stroked the cheeks, red enough now, of her excited little daughter.
"Yes, my child," she replied.