They had a long ramble, zigzagging
extravagantly about the city. The adorable little artist appreciated
the beauty of the lovely capital, and the church of Saint Gudule
delighted her. They took a cab to go to the Bois de la Cambre.
Esperance was much affected by the horses, who led a hard life up and
down the little streets, which were so picturesque in their
unevenness.
The little expedition was not over until half-past seven. Visitors'
cards attracted Mlle. Frahender's attention. They were from the
Minister Prince de Bernecourt and the Count Albert Styvens, Secretary
of the Legation. Feeling that she would not see the Count gave the
young artist the sensation of relief comparable to that of a prisoner
walking straight out of his jail into freedom.
During dinner Esperance was quite exuberant and proposed a hand at
_trente-et-un_ as soon as dessert was finished. "After that, we
will go to bed very early, to have our best looks ready for to-morrow,
will we not, my little lady?" she said, placing her slender hand on
the wrinkled fingers of Mlle. Frahender. "My little lady" was the pet
name Esperance often gave her.
Maurice was only moderately receptive of the idea of a game of
_trente-et-un_, but after consulting the clock, he was reassured.
"By ten o'clock I shall be free."
CHAPTER IX
The next morning Marguerite had some difficulty in waking her young
mistress, who was sleeping soundly.
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