"My lady the countess," ventured Gilbert, after awhile.
Raising her eyes, Andrea looked without perceiving at first; the veil of her mind was between her and the speaker, but it was gradually withdrawn.
"Ah, and is it you, Doctor Gilbert—what do you want?" she inquired.
"Madame, very ugly rumors are afloat about what is going to happen in the prisons."
"Yes; it is said that the prisoners are to be slaughtered," rejoined Andrea; "but you know, Doctor Gilbert, that I am ready to die."
"I come to take you away madame," he continued, bowing.
"Whither would you take me, doctor?" she asked, in surprise.
"Wherever you like, madame; you are free."
He showed her the release order signed by Danton, which she read; but instead of returning it, she kept it in her hand.
"I might have suspected this," she observed, trying to smile, but she had forgotten the way. "You were sure to try to prevent me dying."