He held his palm open towards her and she stopped short.
Then, like a statue revolved on the pedestal, she wheeled round, and returned into her room.
Some instants afterwards the two gentlemen were in the same place.
But rapid as had been their movement, time was given for a third person to glide into the house and hide in Nicole’s room, for he understood that his life depended on this interview.
It was Gilbert.
Philip had taken his sister in his arms and placed her in a chair while the count shut the door. Then he took up a candle and passed it to and fro before her eyes, without the flame causing her lids to blink.
“Are you convinced that she sleeps?”
“That is plain but, good God! how strange is this sleep,” said Philip.
“I will question her; or since you fear I may put some inapt question to her, do so yourself.”
“But though I have spoken to her and touched her just now, she did not appear to hear me or heed me.”