But fortunately an honest young man found Frisky in the Rue de Babylone, and brought her back to my mistress.However," continued Georgette, "to what, madame, do I owe the pleasure of seeing you this morning?"
"I am commanded by the Princess," replied Mrs.Grivois, unable to conceal a smile of triumphant satisfaction, "immediately to see Miss Adrienne.
It regards a very important affair, which I am to communicate only to herself."
At these words Georgette became purple, and could not repress a slight start of disquietude, which happily escaped Grivois, who was occupied with watching over the safety of her pet, whom Frisky continued to snarl at with a very menacing aspect; and Georgette, having quickly overcome her temporary emotion, firmly answered: "Miss Adrienne went to rest very late last night.She has forbidden me to enter her apartment before mid-
day."
"That is very possible: but as the present business is to obey an order of the Princess her aunt, you will do well if you please, miss, to awaken your mistress immediately."
"My mistress is subject to no one's orders in her own house; and I will not disturb her till mid-day, in pursuance of her commands," replied Georgette.
"Then I shall go myself," said Mrs.Grivois.
"Florine and Hebe will not admit you.Indeed, here is the key of the saloon; and through the saloon only can the apartments of Miss Adrienne be entered."
"How! do you dare refuse me permission to execute the orders of the Princess?"
"Yes; I dare to commit the great crime of being unwilling to awaken my mistress!"