At Versailles, I gave orders to stop in Paris a little way, before reaching Madame de Fersen's door.
When I arrived, I saw the street was strewn with straw.
Reflecting that I might possibly have to remain at Madame de Fersen's, and not wishing to have it known, I instructed my servant to take my carriage home, and tell my people that I had remained at Havre, and would return by the steamer.
I entered the mansion.
CHAPTER XXII
IRENE
The slightest details of this dreadful scene are still present to my mind.
Midnight struck as I entered the antechamber of Madame de Fersen's apartment.
It was dark, and I found none of her people about. This seemed to me very strange. Led by a dim light, I crossed several rooms, only one of which was faintly lighted; my heart shrank with terror.
As I reached a half-open door, stifled sobs greeted my ear.