Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 1.djvu/216

138 her perusal in the books chosen for her, as scrupulous to obey Madame de Piennes, as to follow the prescriptions of the doctor. But that which most won the heart of the good preacher, and appeared to her protectress the strongest evidence of moral healing, was the use made by Arsène Guillot of a portion of the little sum which had been placed in her hands. She had requested that a solemn mass be said at Saint Roch, for the soul of Pamela Guillot, her dead mother. Assuredly, never had soul greater need of the prayers of the Church

morning, as Madame de Piennes was dressing, a servant tapped lightly at the door of the dressing-room, and handed to Mademoiselle Josephine a visiting card which a young man had sent up.

"Max in Paris!" cried Madame de Piennes, glancing at the card; "hurry, mademoiselle, tell M. de Salligny to wait for me in the drawing-room."

A moment later laughter and suppressed cries were heard in the drawing-room, and