"What!" exclaimed the creature, in great agitation, "is she, is Helen Pendarves in Paris?"
"Yes; she, the true she,—the good wife is here; and she alone will Benoit admit to his prisoner. Va-t en, te dis-je!"
"And the creature went away," added Juan; "for I saw and heard it all, giving him such a look!"
I could not help being pleased with this account; but I sent him immediately to tell De Walden what had passed, that he might lose no time in seeking La Beauvais, to prevent her going to the prison, and thereby increasing the danger of Pendarves.—When Juan returned, I asked for a minute detail of all that passed between my husband and him.
"Oh! he is very wretched!" he replied: "but he told me nothing concerning himself; he only walked up and down the narrow room, asking me nothing but about you, and why they let you come, and if De Walden came on purpose to guard you. In short, we talked of nothing else; and then he did so wish you safe back in your own country!"
This account gave me sincere pleasure, and made me believe that Seymour's heart was not so much alienated from me as I expected; and a weight seemed suddenly taken from my mind. The next day I went again at noon, and I found La Beauvais in high dispute with Benoit. As soon as he saw me, he saw that I recognised her, and that my countenance bore the hue of death, he caught my hand, saying, "Vite! vite! entre donc: belle et bonne! et toi, va-t en tout de suite!" [18]
[18]: Quick! quick! enter: fair and good! but you, go away directly!"
La Beauvais, provoked and disappointed, seized my arm. "Madame Pendarves," she cried, "the same interest brings us hither: use your influence over this barbarian to procure me admittance."
"The same interest!" I replied, turning round, throwing her hand from my arm, and looking at her with all the scorn and abhorrence which I felt: "Madame, je ne vous connois pas." [19]
[19]: Madam! I do not know you.