.

Mon devoir." Victoire courageously proceeded to Madame de Fleury's, and desired to see her.
"D'abord c'est impossible--madame is dressing to go to a concert," said Francois.

"Cannot you leave your message ?" "Oh no," said Victoire; "it is of great consequence--I must see her myself; and she is so good, and you too, Monsieur Francois, that I am sure you will not refuse." "Well, I remember one day you found the seal of my watch, which I dropped at your schoolroom door--one good turn deserves another.

If it is possible it shall be done--I will inquire of madame's woman."-- "Follow me upstairs," said he, returning in a few minutes; "madame will see you." She followed him up the large staircase, and through a suite of apartments sufficiently grand to intimidate her young imagination.
"Madame est dans son cabinet.

Entrez--mais entrez donc, entrez toujours." Madame de Fleury was more richly dressed than usual; and her image was reflected in the large looking-glass, so that at the first moment Victoire thought she saw many fine ladies, but not one of them the lady she wanted.
"Well, Victoire, my child, what is the matter ?" "Oh, it is her voice!--I know you now, madame, and I am not afraid--not afraid even to tell you how foolish I have been.