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 her long residence in the family, and her fidelity, made her take a cup of coffee, and sit down.

"Well, madame (said the little creature, while her eyes twinkled with pleasure at the kindness of her lady), has my young lady yet given an heir to Monsieur D'Alembert?"

"No," replied the Countess.

"Dear heart! I am sorry for that; I had hoped by this time to have heard there was a grandson born to my beloved lady." She then proceeded to mention her pleasure at the Countess's having procured such a companion as Madeline, one who would prevent her missing her daughter as much as she had formerly done.

The Countess sighed at these words; and a shade of melancholy for a few minutes obscured her countenance. The eyes of Madeline, meanwhile, were busily employed examining the apartment; many things within it excited her surprise and curiosity;