LOUIS DUVAL.

But," added she, turning to the baker, did he thus
offer to pay, and do you know the boy ? "
 "I will tell you the truth, madame," replied the
baker, I do know the boy, for he has often come to
my shop for bread, and I know Henry Duval, his
father, and that he is sober and honest; but what is
that ? He has no work, and cannot pay, and I cannot
afford to lose a loaf. It is true, madame, this child
asked me to trust him, for his grandmother was in
great want of food, and when I refused, madame-and
I felt obliged to refuse-the little rogue snatched up a
loaf-this loaf-and ran away, saying he must have it,
and his father would pay."
 "Poor child repeated the lady; well, let him
go, and give him the loaf. I will pay you. Anthony,"
she said to one of her attendants, "pay this man, and
see that the boy comes to no further harm."
 Louis Duval clutched the loaf then held out to him,
and pouring out rapidly his thanks to the lady, began
to ascend the stairs.
 "Poor child," exclaimed the Countess St. Clair for
the fourth time, I am half disposed to follow him;"
and she put one foot on the stairs leading upwards.
 Madame," said Anthony, who had satisfied the
baker and dismissed him, the carriage waits !"
 Then let it wait a little longer, sir," replied the
young lady rather haughtily; I am going this way,
and please to follow me." Saying this, she stepped
lightly up the stairs, and soon caught sight of Louis.
 Higher and higher went the boy, and higher and
higher ascended the lady and her servant. At length,
when the lady was panting with exertion, and Anthony
inwardly thinking, perhaps, what a hard life is theirs
who have to wait on fanciful young Countesses, the
stairs, which at every landing-place had become nar-