Lisa made no reply.
"This Herman," continued Tomsky, "is a romantic character; he has the profile of a Napoleon and the heart of a Mephistopheles. It is said he has at least three crimes on his conscience. But how pale you are."
"It is only a slight headache. But why do you talk to me of this Herman?"
"Because I believe he has serious intentions concerning you."
"Where has he seen me?"
"At church, perhaps, or on the street."
The conversation was interrupted at this point, to the great regret of the young girl. The words of Tomsky made a deep impression upon her, and she realized how imprudently she had acted. She was thinking of all this and a great deal more when the door of her apartment suddenly opened, and Herman stood before her. She drew back at sight of him, trembling violently.
"Where have you been?" she asked in a frightened whisper.
"In the bedchamber of the Countess. She is dead," was the calm reply.
"My God! What are you saying?" cried the girl.