Perhaps it would be well to ask advice of this lady . `` If you please , '' said Little Joyce , who was never shy with strangers , for whose opinion she did n't care at all , `` I want to see Madame Laurin at the hotel and ask her to do me a very great favour . Will you tell me the best way to go about seeing her ? I shall be much obliged to you . '' `` What is the favour you want to ask of Madame Laurin ? '' inquired the lady , smiling . `` I want to ask her if she will come and sing for Denise before she dies -- before Denise dies , I mean . Denise is our French girl , and the doctor says she can not live very long , and she wishes with all her heart to hear Madame Laurin sing . It is very bitter , you know , to be dying and want something very much and not be able to get it . '' `` Do you think Madame Laurin will go ? '' asked the lady . `` I do n't know . I am going to offer her my little black doll . If she will not come for that , there is nothing else I can do . '' A flash of interest lighted up the lady 's brown eyes . She bent forward . `` Is it your doll you have in that box ? Will you let me see it ? '' Little Joyce nodded . Mutely she opened the box and took out the black doll .
The lady gave an exclamation XXXXX amazed delight and almost snatched it from Little Joyce .
French Joyce Laurin at for if in of to with