“Then she asked me if I would sell her the little box; and I said certainly I would, that it was put there to sell. Seeing how anxious she was to get it, I thought I would put the price at twenty-five dollars, although I didn’t much think she’d give it. But she never said a word about the price; she paid it in a dazed way, took your address that I’d written for her, and went out, carrying the little casket with her. I suppose she’ll be here to-day or to-morrow to see you; and so I thought I’d hurry down and tell you all about it.”
“And your commission?” said Madame Jozain, with a visible effort, as the milliner laid the money on the table.
“Oh, par exemple, Madame Jozain! As if I would! No, no; we’re too old friends. I cannot take pay for doing you a little favor. And besides, I’m glad to do it for the dear child. She must be a great anxiety to you.”
“She is!” returned madame, with a heavy sigh, “but she has some property in Texas, I believe. My son has just gone there, and I’m thinking of going too. I’m very lonely here.”
“Ah!” said Madame Hortense, surprised. “Why, you are so well placed here. Shall you go soon?”
“Before very long,” replied madame, who did not care to be more definite.
“Well, come and see me before you go.”
Madame Hortense drew down her veil, and rose to leave. “I’m sorry I can’t stay longer to chat with you; I’m busy, very busy. Now mind, be sure to come and say good-by,” and with a cordial au revoir the little milliner hurried down the steps and out of sight around the corner.
For some time after her visitor had gone, Madame Jozain stood quite still in the middle of her little shop, with her hands pressed to her head and her eyes fixed on vacancy. At length she muttered to herself: “She’ll come here; yes, she’ll come here! I can’t see her; I can’t tell her where I got that box. I must get away at once. I must go out and find another place. There’ll be no more peace on earth for me! My punishment’s begun!”
Then madame hurriedly put on her best gown and bonnet, and calling across to Lady Jane, who was with Pepsie, she said she was going out on business, and that she might not be back for some time.