“Well, yes.”
“And it is for that woman’s sake that you want to leave your sister alone at home?”
“I must, mother, I assure you; and, if you only knew—”
“I do not wish to know, any thing.”
But his resolution had been taken. He went off; and a few moments later Mme. Favoral and M. Chapelain entered a cab which had been sent for, and drove to M. de Thaller’s.
Left alone, Mlle. Gilberte had but one thought,—to notify M. de Tregars, and obtain word from him. Any thing seemed preferable to the horrible anxiety which oppressed her. She had just commenced a letter, which she intended to have taken to the Count de Villegre, when a violent ring of the bell made her start; and almost immediately the servant came in, saying,
“It is a gentleman who wishes to see you, a friend of monsieur’s, —M. Costeclar, you know.”
Mlle. Gilberte started to her feet, trembling with excitement.
“That’s too much impudence!” she exclaimed. She was hesitating whether to refuse him the door, or to see him, and dismiss him shamefully herself, when she had a sudden inspiration. “What does he want?” she thought. “Why not see him, and try and find out what he knows? For he certainly must know the truth.”
But it was no longer time to deliberate. Above the servant’s shoulder M. Costeclar’s pale and impudent face showed itself.