Flora still was mischievous. "But you know you are not his child, and I
am sure you do not think of him as a father."
Gabrielle turned upon her friend with an air of dainty imperiousness.
"Flora, Flora, you may be a witch, but there are some thoughts of mine
you must not presume to read."
Flora laughed. "You command like a great lady. 'Must not,' indeed, and
'presume'! Let me tell you, pretty Gabrielle, that I am the great lady
here."
Gabrielle was instantly winning and tender again. "You are my sweet
friend, and I did not mean to command you."
Flora laughed good-humoredly. "You should have seen your air of
greatness. But I am speaking seriously. I believe I am the long-lost
daughter of a great lord."
Gabrielle stared, amazed. "Really, Flora, really? Are you in earnest?
Tell me all about it."
Flora looked like a gypsy sphinx. "Oh, but I may not. I should not have
spoken of it at all, but I am so mad and merry at the good news that out
it slipped."
Gabrielle softly patted her cheek. "I am glad of anything that makes you
happy."
Flora tried to look magnificent. "Do not you envy me? Would not you like
to be a great lady, too? I am afraid you look more like it than I do."
Gabrielle spoke again in a whisper: "I will tell you my secret in return
for yours. So long as I can be by Henri's side I envy no one--ask nothing
better of fortune."
Flora smiled knowingly. "Do you call that a secret? I have known that
ever since I first saw you look at him."