"Yes. The Swiss said he had news. And how has the Lady Dorinda fared?"

"Well, indeed. She has described to me three times the gorgeous pageant
of her marriage."

They had reached the fireplace, and Marie laughed as she warmed her
hands before a pile of melting logs.

"Give our sea-tossed bundle and its mother a warm seat, Zélie," she said
to her woman.

The unknown girl was placed near the hearth corner, and constrained to
take upon her knees an object which she held indifferently. Antonia's
eyes rested on her, detecting her half-concealed face, with silent
disapproval.

"We found a child on this expedition."

"It hath a stiffened look, like a papoose," observed Antonia. "Is it
well in health?"

"No; poor baby. Attend to the child," said Marie sternly to the mother;
and she added, "Zélie must go directly with me to my chests before she
waits on me, and bring down garments for it to this hearth."

"Let me this time be your maid," said Antonia.

"You may come with me and be my resolution, Antonia; for I have to set
about the unlocking of boxes which hold some sacred clothes."