For a time, a caretaker." "Ah, I understand.

Are your employers asleep ?" "I cannot say, ma'm'seile.

They are not here." "You are alone in this house ?" "Alone with you, ma'm'seile." Louise had a sudden access of alarm.
"And why am I here ?" she cried, wringing her hands pitifully.
"Ah, who can tell that ?" returned the woman, composedly.

"Not Cerise, indeed.

Cerise is told nothing--except what is required of her.